Warning over city becoming 'politicised'

A state leader warned yesterday that Hong Kong has become "politicised" over many issues, and that it's hurting the city economically and socially.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, was addressing 28 key members of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, in Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

The delegation is on a two-day visit to the capital.

In a statement issued by the chamber, Yu was quoted as saying there had been a number of issues that had become politicised, which was not good for the economic development and social stability of Hong Kong.

But Yu conceded that different sectors should be able to air their views via different channels. Yu also noted that while the city was pushing forward its political system, the most important thing was to maintain the prosperous development of the economy.

And he stressed that unity was crucial if the city was to resolve the difficulties it faced.