Editorial | Liaison office right to reach out, but clear dividing line needed
- Campaign will hopefully lead to a better understanding by Beijing of local sentiment, however it must be mindful of Hong Kong’s high level of autonomy
Hong Kong officials have, over the years, frequently faced calls to “listen to the people”. The need to feel the pulse of the community has long been key to the successful governance of the city.
A recent campaign to “listen directly to the grass roots”, was broadly consistent with this tradition. But there was a surprise.
It was conducted by Beijing’s liaison office rather than the city’s own administration. This unprecedented move has sparked much debate about what it all means for the city’s “high degree of autonomy.”
Liaison office director Luo Huining led the drive a week before Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s policy address. Among those visited were the elderly, unemployed, new immigrants, members of ethnic minority groups and inhabitants of cage homes.
The liaison office later revealed almost 4,000 people had been engaged and more than 6,000 opinions received. A to-do list of more than 500 measures within the scope of the Hong Kong government has been drawn up.
This high-profile move marks a departure from the past. The office had previously kept a low profile, not wanting to be seen to be putting pressure on local officials or to intervene in the city’s affairs. But times have changed.
