Robert Kemp reports
Pan democrats have reacted angrily to comments by the Director of the Central Government's Liaison Office, Zhang Xiaoming, on the legal status of Hong Kong’s Chief Executive.
Speaking at a seminar on Saturday, Mr Zhang had said the separation of powers here had always been a mere reference for Hong Kong's political system - and that the Chief Executive was above all other branches of government, with a 'special legal power'.
Civic Party leader Alan Leong accused Beijing of trying to scare Hong Kong people so that they will not criticise the Chief Executive, CY Leung.
He said the remarks raise the Chief Executive's status and make him like "a king". He urged Mr Zhang to retract his comments.
Veteran democrat Martin Lee, who was a member of the Basic Law drafting committee, also criticised Mr Zhang's statements as baseless and scary.
He said if the Chief Executive's authority is higher than the courts, it means he can't be prosecuted even if he commits a crime.
Speaking at a seminar on Saturday, Mr Zhang had said the separation of powers here had always been a mere reference for Hong Kong's political system - and that the Chief Executive was above all other branches of government, with a 'special legal power'.
Civic Party leader Alan Leong accused Beijing of trying to scare Hong Kong people so that they will not criticise the Chief Executive, CY Leung.
He said the remarks raise the Chief Executive's status and make him like "a king". He urged Mr Zhang to retract his comments.
Veteran democrat Martin Lee, who was a member of the Basic Law drafting committee, also criticised Mr Zhang's statements as baseless and scary.
He said if the Chief Executive's authority is higher than the courts, it means he can't be prosecuted even if he commits a crime.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1211002-20150912.htm
