I don’t understand Beijing official’s comments on Hong Kong leader’s ‘transcendent status’, says former constitutional affairs minister

A retired official has joined the debate over whether Hong Kong’s leader has a “transcendent” status over other branches of government, saying he ”does not understand” the theory uttered by Beijing’s man in the city.

Michael Suen Ming-yeung, who was secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs between 1997 and 2002, today joined the row started by Zhang Xiaoming, director of Beijing’s liaison office in the city.

Zhang on Saturday said the chief executive enjoyed a “transcendent legal position” over the judicial and legislative branches of the government. Yesterday, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying echoed his remarks.

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“If his speech has raised so many doubts and speculation, it’s worth [Zhang] considering a clarification.”

Suen, who also served as chief secretary and education minister, said he did not understand why Leung would agree he held such a superior status.

“My understanding is the chief executive … has an unusual legal status, a unique position. For example, he is not subject to the laws on prevention of bribery,” Suen said. But to say Leung was “transcendent” could not mean he had absolute power, he added.