‘Bad boy’ of Hong Kong politics accuses liaison office of interference, but his party says relations with Beijing intact
James Tien says ‘Beijing needs to find out if the office has gone beyond its liaison role’
The pro-business Liberal Party heavyweight and former government ally, who has become increasingly critical of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, called on Beijing to investigate if the office had overstepped its role.
Tien’s input, while adding another dimension to the controversy over Chow’s claim that he had to pull out of the race because of personal threats which he linked to Beijing, has placed the focus on where the party, representing influential business interests, is heading in its relationship with the government and Beijing.
Outgoing Legco president Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, who had earlier cast doubt on Chow’s claims, called for more clarity.
“It’s hard to comment on it,” the veteran pro-establishment politician said. “People involved should come clean on the whole truth, and then we can analyse what were the illegal acts. If people only talk about part of what happened, there will be speculations and negative effects.”
Tien said he did not follow the instructions by the unnamed liaison office representatives, quoting them as saying Chow’s bid could hurt the chances of Junius Ho Kwan-yiu, who ended up winning the ninth and final seat in New Territories West.