Gauging reaction of mainland China to policies not viable, says Anson Chan

Former chief secretary Anson Chan Fang On-sang has questioned the feasibility of an Executive Council requirement that all policy proposals factor in likely mainland reaction.

Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, a member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, has meanwhile said the directive doesn't pose a threat to Hongkongers' interests.

The leaked memo, which first appeared in a Chinese-language newspaper, said: "From June 1, an assessment on mainland perception and related public relations measures will become … mandatory … for all Policy Committee papers."

Speaking in a radio interview, Chan said carrying out the directive could be impractical.

"First of all, there is the problem of 'how' … do we need to consult the mainland, and what is the subject of consultation? Is it Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office or other mainland organisations?" Chan said.

"I am not saying we don't need to consider the mainland's reaction … but unless you issue a clear guideline to the officials, those officials in charge wouldn't know how to start the assessment." She urged Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying to clarify the matter.