Beijing liaison office lunch for lawmakers likely to be on the premises, which could keep pan-democrats away
- Pro-establishment camp sources say the lunch should take place at the liaison office, as a matter of respect
- Choice of venue could deter pan-democrats, who say attending might show it endorses the liaison office’s role in the city
The central government’s liaison office is likely to host a lunch for lawmakers next month at its premises in Sai Ying Pun, a sensitive venue in the eyes of pan-democrats, who said the choice would further hinder their attendance.
Two senior sources in the pro-establishment camp told the Post that the lunch was expected to take place at the liaison office, saying it was a matter of respect.
Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen on Wednesday said the liaison office head Wang Zhimin had invited all lawmakers to lunch on February 19 – Chinese Valentine’s Day.
Noting that some pan-democrats were wary of entering the office, Leung said he had relayed their views to the liaison office but the choice of location remained in the hands of the host.
Lawmakers Martin Liao Cheung-kong, convenor of the pro-establishment camp, and Gary Chan Hak-kan, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, told the Post on Thursday that the lunch was expected to take place at the liaison office.
“Asking people to visit one’s home is paying the greatest respect to Chinese guests, is it not?” Chan said. “We invited Director Wang for lunch to the Legislative Council, not to a restaurant in Admiralty.”