More respect, but no immunity: what CY Leung can expect from new job on China’s top advisory body

Key questions answered about Hong Kong chief executive’s appointment as vice-chairman of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference

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Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying was nominated to the post on Friday. Photo: Handout

Published: 10:50am, 13 Mar 2017Updated: 11:00am, 13 Mar 2017

Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying was elected vice-chairman of China’s top advisory body on Monday, becoming the first chief executive to hold the two roles simultaneously. The move is seen as an acknowledgement of his efforts to curb pro-independence forces in Hong Kong as the city’s top official. Leung had announced in December that he would not seek another term as chief executive, citing family reasons.

How did Leung get the job?

A vice-chairman needs to first secure majority support from the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) to be nominated as a candidate before being voted in by more than 2,000 CPPCC delegates.

Last Friday, 294 members of the standing committee voted in favour of a motion to nominate Leung, with two abstaining. A total of 2066 delegates voted to support his promotion on Monday.

What do CPCC vice-chairmen actually do?

A CPPCC vice-chairman helps the chairman carry out his work, participates in meetings among the body’s chairman and vice-chairmen and deals with key matters before the body’s standing committee.

What are the perks and privileges?