James Tien's dismissal a sign Beijing doesn't want anyone rocking the boat
James Tien's dismissal from nation's top political advisory body is a clear message to the pro-establishment camp to toe the line on Leung
The message behind Beijing's sacking of James Tien Pei-chun as a member of the nation's top political advisory body is loud and clear for pro-establishment figures - toe the line and rally behind Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying or, at the very least, don't rock the boat.
Two political commentators said the unprecedented decision by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Standing Committee to remove Tien should be understood in the wider context of Beijing's dissatisfaction with the ambiguous position of the city's business heavyweights on the Occupy Central protests.
Tien has a track record of deviating from the stance of the Hong Kong and central governments. His resignation from the Executive Council, days after the huge July 1 protest march in 2003, forced then chief executive Tung Chee-hwa to withdraw controversial national security legislation.
A day after this year's July 1 march, Tien suggested Leung should consider resigning since the number of people who took to the streets was inexplicable given the economy's current strength and the high degree of social stability in Hong Kong.
The organisers estimated 510,000 people took part in the march, while a study commissioned by the South China Morning Post estimated 140,000 people took part.
On Friday, the tycoon-politician urged Leung to consider resigning since he could hardly govern effectively. Tien, who backed former chief secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen in the 2012 chief executive election, is a longtime critic of Leung.