Cross-party platform could solve deadlock over reform

A cross-party platform similar to the format of the Basic Law Consultative Committee established almost three decades ago could help bring about a breakthrough to the apparent political deadlock in the electoral reform, a leading pan-democratic lawmaker suggests.

It could also be spearheaded by "people trusted by Beijing" such as Legislative Council president Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, former president Rita Fan Tsui Lai-tai and Basic Law Committee vice-chairwoman Elsie Leung Oi-sie, according to Civic Party leader Alan Leong Kah-kit.

His call came amid a heated debate in recent months between pan-democrats and pro-Beijing figures who demonstrated huge differences in the understanding of the city's democratic development, notably on achieving universal suffrage in the 2017 chief executive election.

"Instead of talking to one another through the media, it is high time a platform was constructed [so that] people harbouring different views could sound out one another, touch base and deal with the supposed worries and anxieties of different factions in our society," Leong told the South China Morning Post last week.

He said Tsang was "very well-placed" to do the job, as the Legco president could make sure everybody had a fair opportunity to speak. Fan and Leung were also people with integrity and trusted by the leaders in Beijing.

"They should seriously consider [spearheading the initiative] if they mean to do Hong Kong good, especially when we are saddled with the chief executive who… is not doing it," he said. "Then I suppose anyone can start this initiative."

The Basic Law Consultative Committee was established in 1985 to canvass views on the drafts of the mini-constitution. It was formed purely of Hongkongers, including business leaders, unionists, judges, academics and democrats.