Why fun is well and truly over for Hong Kong delegates attending ‘two sessions’ in Beijing
Gone are the good old days when some took advantage of the annual event to cultivate personal business, political and social contacts with the who’s who of the nation
No pain, no gain, the old saying goes, and it applies to politics as well.
Somehow, it seems to have taken 20 years for Beijing to drive home the message for a group of political figures from Hong Kong who are now finally realising that being bestowed with certain honours means getting down to serious business and not just showing off titles.
What many may have missed is an interesting episode in the capital last week concerning new discipline for the group from Hong Kong.
In this annual gathering of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), delegates from the city are also up north to participate in major policymaking for the country. The 36 local NPC delegates and more than 100 CPPCC members are there for more than two weeks of key meetings and group discussions.
Party gives its version of how Xi’s plan unfolded
While they are all adults and considered the elite representing Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing camp, they were given a gentle but firm “disciplinary reminder”. They would need to ask for permission to take leave if unable to attend any meeting, and also inform the delegation chief and seek prior approval when leaving their hotel for any personal activity – many smaller group discussions use the hotel they are staying in as the meeting venue.
To ensure they took it seriously, the new rule was officially announced by NPC deputy secretary general Wang Chen.
It may seem amusing on one level, but the message is strong and crystal clear: gone are the good old days when some Hong Kong delegates took advantage of this annual event to cultivate personal business, political and social contacts as the who’s who of the nation gather in one place.
China to restructure foreign affairs team in push for greater role on world stage, source says
It used to be common for certain Hong Kong delegates and members to skip meetings for private appointments after the opening of the two sessions.
It was said that in one extreme case in a previous year, a Hong Kong member clocked up a total of only four hours in meetings over an entire two-week period.
Such conduct is obviously no longer acceptable. So, not only are lavish dinners or gifts for mainland officials and other contacts banned while Hong Kong delegates and members are in Beijing, they are also reminded of the duties they must fulfil – study the documents on hand and be more proactive in speaking up on matters of national interest and security when they return home, instead of turning invisible or keeping a low profile when major controversies break out.
Tough warning to Hong Kong given by top leader, who urges recognition of Beijing’s sovereignty
It’s not going to be an easy job, but Beijing has made it clear it’s something people in this particular group will have to do if they want to keep their titles and privileges.
An immediate test this time is how to explain to Hongkongers and have them on board with Beijing’s reasons for scrapping the presidential term limit.
It should be interesting to see how Hong Kong’s political atmosphere develops when Beijing is pushing for its voice to be heard louder and clearer.
