Ex-Hong Kong university head Wong Yuk-shan appointed vice-chairman of powerful Basic Law Committee under China’s top legislative body
- Wong takes up key role on body that advises Beijing on any proposed changes to city’s mini-constitution
- Former head of Open University takes over from Maria Tam
The National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee revealed the appointment on Wednesday night at the close of a three-day session in the capital.
“I feel very happy and honoured to accept this appointment, I also know the responsibility is large, so I will work hard in the next few years to do a good job,” Wong said.
Tam, 77, told the Post she was happy to “pass the baton” to Wong given her age, adding she was retiring following the establishment of the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong.
Wong’s promotion was part of a reshuffle of the 12-member Basic Law Committee that reports to the country’s top lawmaking body, the standing committee.
The Basic Law Committee provides input on any interpretations of the city’s mini- constitution, or amendments to it, and is also consulted if the standing committee seeks to introduce national laws applicable to Hong Kong in Annex III of the local charter.
Wong, 74, an expert in environmental biotechnology and a former NPC deputy, was the head of Open University, which has been renamed Hong Kong Metropolitan University.
He currently chairs the Research Grants Council, the public administrator for research funding.
Wong joined the Basic Law Committee in 2008, when its deputy chairwoman was Elsie Leung Oi-sie, Hong Kong’s former security chief.
Speaking about his predecessor, Wong noted that Tam was a rare individual who had contributed a lot to society.
“[From] serving as a member of the drafting committee of the Basic Law to [being] the vice-chairman of the Basic Law Committee, she has made good contributions,” Wong said. “She has made a lot of contributions to the promotion and the implementation of the Basic Law in Hong Kong. She was a great figure.”
Wong said he was no match for Tam in terms of her contribution and experience, but emphasised he would do his best in the role. He noted that Tam said she would be happy to help the committee if needed.
