Electoral reform not too drastic for HK: CY Leung

Former Chief Executive CY Leung on Sunday dismissed criticism that the electoral reform Beijing has planned for Hong Kong is too drastic, saying one cannot underestimate the SAR’s political problems.

Speaking in an interview with TVB, Leung said there are special and long-accumulated political issues in the SAR owing to its colonial past, including the general lack of a strong sense of national identity.

The vice chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) said the national security law is not sufficient to solve these issues, and changes need to be made on how lawmakers and the Chief Executive are selected.

“These systemic issues are important, we cannot think that everything will be well again, and the political system of Hong Kong will run smoothly with the national security law and amendments to Annexes 1 and 2 of the Basic Law,” he said. “We cannot underestimate the problems.”

Leung added that Beijing hasn’t asked him to be the convenor of the election committee, which, under Beijing’s proposal, will expand from 1,200 members to 1,500 and will not only select the Chief Executive, but a large proportion of lawmakers as well.

The convenor will have the power to convene meetings in face of unexpected circumstances.

But Leung said he is willing to fill any post if he can be of use to the country or Hong Kong.

“Whether there are new roles for me in the future, not only the Chief Executive or the convenor of the election committee or other roles, I am willing to do my part for the good of the country or Hong Kong.”

He added that people should be more concerned about the city’s future instead of who’s running for the top job.