Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying seeks Beijing approval for new policies
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying says he will ask for Beijing's backing in resolving Hong Kong's economic and livelihood problems as he holds his first meetings with state leaders after the failure of his electoral reform package.
Speaking ahead of the specially convened meetings, Leung said he would report his plans for how to boost the economy and improve people's livelihood - the two crucial areas the administration will focus on after the Beijing-decreed reform plan for the 2017 chief executive election was voted down by the Legislative Council last month.
"We will discuss the problems regarding the next step of Hong Kong's development and we would need backing from the central government and its cooperation, particularly in developing the economy," said Leung yesterday as he departed for the two-day trip.
It is understood that Leung will today meet National People's Congress chairman Zhang Dejiang , the top official in charge of the city's affairs, as well as a key official from the foreign ministry.
The visit comes as Legislative Council President Jasper Tsang Yok-sing rejected comments made by Leung, who on Saturday said order in the city's legislature was worse than in Taiwan, where objects are often hurled.
"The operation of Legco has followed the rules of procedure most of the time and our lawmakers are striving hard to serve residents most of the time," said Tsang yesterday, though he noted some legislators' behaviour might resemble that of Taiwan politicians, which he said Hongkongers disagreed with.
Meanwhile, Tsang refused to comment on whether Leung had been constantly stirring up fights with lawmakers - as alleged by Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, a Standing Committee member of the National People's Congress. Tsang said it took two to tango in setting a good relationship.
"I hope the pan-democrats can offer a friendly response to the chief executive when he actively approaches [them]," said Tsang. "After all, executive-legislative relations can only be built with mutual tolerance, acceptance and rational communication."
Tsang also declined to comment on recent rumours that suggested Leung would step down next January to ease social tensions.
