Radical legislators threaten to block approval of HK$100m for quake aid
Radical pan-democrats threaten to block approval in use of HK$100 million
A fierce debate is expected in the Legislative Council today over the use of a HK$100 million donation to help Sichuan earthquake victims, with radical pan-democrats threatening to block approval with a filibuster.
Some people fear that the donation, proposed by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, could fall into the hands of corrupt mainland officials.
Last night, major parties in the pro-democracy camp said they would oppose any suggestions of government-to-government donations in a special Finance Committee meeting. People Power lawmaker Albert Chan Wai-yip said the party would not rule out launching another filibuster to block its passage.
Leading parties in the pro-establishment camp vowed to support the funding application.
Video: The Post takes to the streets to ask Hongkongers whether they think the government should donate money to the Sichuan aid effort
A government paper presented to Legco last night says a sum of HK$100 million will be injected into the Disaster Relief Fund, and the same amount will be donated directly to the Sichuan provincial government. Non-government relief organisations could also apply to the fund.
