Beijing official ‘has no authority’ to make remarks on political reform, Hong Kong veteran politician says
Former Liberal Party chairman’s remarks appear to be directed at legal chief of Beijing’s liaison office, who urged city to focus on livelihood issues instead
A veteran politician from Hong Kong’s pro-government camp has questioned the authority of a Beijing official to make a statement telling Hongkongers not to restart political reform in the coming years.
The latest comments by former Liberal Party chairman Allen Lee Peng-fei are seen to be directed at Wang Zhenmin, the legal chief of Beijing’s liaison office.
More than a week ago, Wang urged Hong Kong to focus on resolving livelihood issues in the next five or 10 years, instead of political reform, which he said could result in endless instability.
“I am very discouraged after listening to the liaison office ... [why is this guy saying years and maybe even 10] we should not discuss constitutional reform?” Lee, who was an executive and legislative councillor, said on Monday without naming Wang.
“What[authority] does he have to speak to the Hong Kong people [on political reform]?”
Wang, a former Tsinghua University law dean, made a series of high-profile comments over the past week which have raised eyebrows.