Beijing loyalists say views of majority must be heard in reform consultations

Hongkongers' views on how to achieve universal suffrage for the city's leader in 2017 must be heard despite pan-democratic vows to boycott the exercise, pro-establishment lawmakers say.

Determined to prepare for the government's upcoming consultation on political reform, Beijing-loyalist groups such as the Federation of Trade Unions and the New People's Party will reactivate their steering groups, while the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong could organise forums and polls to gather public opinion.

FTU lawmaker Wong Kwok-kin said the group was planning an extensive series of discussion sessions because they had to be accountable to residents.

"We have to show our sincerity and we won't be doing anything just because some said they will veto the government's reform package," he added.

On August 31, the national legislature ruled that while Hong Kong could pick its leader by "one person, one vote", only two or three candidates who secured at least half of a 1,200-strong nominating committee's support could run.

The decision played a key role in triggering the Occupy protests in September, with activists saying it would deprive voters of a genuine choice of candidates.