Turbulence ahead: Hong Kong chief executive expects ‘emotional resistance’ as he advances Beijing development plans
Leung Chun-ying offers insights at media forum on city’s economic blueprint
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying expects Hong Kong to encounter “emotional resistance and political interference” domestically when the government presses ahead with initiatives spelt out in Beijing’s 13th five-year development plan.
The city risked ignoring opportunities on the mainland at its own peril, he said. For Hong Kong to play its role as a “super connector” – Leung’s favoured buzzword – to the mainland, there needed to be proper support not only from the government but all parties in the city, he said.
“The work of the Hong Kong government needs the support of the whole society, especially from the lawmakers,” he told a media forum on the economic blueprint.
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“During the implementation [of the five-year plan], Hong Kong might encounter some emotional resistance and political interference,” said Leung, without identifying any party or persons.
He said the government would push for cooperation with the mainland in technology, R&D, innovation, logistics, trade, professional and high-end services, yuan trade, and other areas.
Both sides of the political divide were swift to react to his comments. Pro-establishment lawmakers said they shared Leung’s frustrations while several others cautioned that labelling any debate on the five-year plan as an obstacle would fuel tensions.
Former DAB chairman Tam Yiu-chung told the Post that pan-democratic lawmakers were the most likely subjects of Leung’s remarks. He said that continued filibustering had previously blocked or prolonged the construction of several development projects linking Hong Kong to the mainland.
