Jasper Tsang plans to head up think tank on Hong Kong political reform when he steps down next year
Jasper Tsang will lead advocacy group on political reform in city after he steps down
Legislative Council president Jasper Tsang Yok-sing is spearheading the formation of a new think tank to explore the options open to Hong Kong on political reform if, as expected, the legislature votes down the government's current reform package.
The "advocacy think tank" would also look into the relationship between Hong Kong and the mainland, the future of "one country, two systems", and public policy, Tsang said.
But the Beijing-loyalist political heavyweight said the launch would have to wait until next year - after he relinquishes his role as head of the chamber following the Legco election.
"It would be undesirable if I launch it in the capacity of Legco president," said Tsang, keen to avoid the project being seen as an electioneering machine for any chief executive candidate.
"I hope the think tank will not simply submit its research to the government, but also actively promote ideas among the public," Tsang told the .
He said the government had in the past shown a lukewarm attitude towards many studies turned in by research institutes.
The experiences of successful think tanks abroad would be drawn upon, many of which spent the same on research as they did on policy promotion, Tsang said. He said successful think tanks spent only 20 per cent of their income on administration, with the rest going towards research and policy promotion.
The new think tank would not play any role in elections and would not be affiliated with any government to ensure its independence and "lifespan", he said.
"If the chief executive thinks [our proposals] are on the right track, we can sell the ideas to him and work on them together."
He said the development of the think tank would not be affected by a change of chief executive at election time.
The number of think tanks in Hong Kong has mushroomed in the wake of the 79-day Occupy Central sit-ins last year.
Civic Party lawmaker Ronny Tong Ka-wah is leading efforts to form one aimed at gathering moderates across the political spectrum to explore how to proceed on political reform.
Former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa has set up the Our Hong Kong Foundation to carry out policy research.
Tsang said Tung had shown support for his plan, but would not comment on how his own think tank would be different from Tung's. The veteran lawmaker also dismissed suggestions he might run for the top job after he stepped down next year.
"Working on the think tank is much safer and more interesting," he said.
