James Tien
Liberal Party lawmaker James Tien has again sought to play down the significance of controversial remarks by Beijing’s top official in Hong Kong, on the “transcendent” authority of the chief executive.
Zhang Xiaoming, the Director of the Liaison Office here, sparked a backlash from the legal sector and pro-democracy politicians by suggesting earlier this month that the chief executive has powers that supercede the three branches of government, and that the separation of powers does not apply to Hong Kong.
However, speaking at RTHK’s City Forum, Tien said while it’s indisputable that the chief executive has the top status in Hong Kong, that doesn’t mean he has overriding powers over the legislature or judiciary.
He suggested that the furore over the matter stems from the people’s mistrust of government.
Labour Party lawmaker Cyd Ho – another participant of the forum – said she believes Zhang’s remarks has been very damaging to the territory, especially at a time when people are concerned about the rule of law here.
Zhang Xiaoming, the Director of the Liaison Office here, sparked a backlash from the legal sector and pro-democracy politicians by suggesting earlier this month that the chief executive has powers that supercede the three branches of government, and that the separation of powers does not apply to Hong Kong.
However, speaking at RTHK’s City Forum, Tien said while it’s indisputable that the chief executive has the top status in Hong Kong, that doesn’t mean he has overriding powers over the legislature or judiciary.
He suggested that the furore over the matter stems from the people’s mistrust of government.
Labour Party lawmaker Cyd Ho – another participant of the forum – said she believes Zhang’s remarks has been very damaging to the territory, especially at a time when people are concerned about the rule of law here.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1212534-20150920.htm
