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.
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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.
In the new political environment following the civil unrest of 2019 and Beijing’s imposition of a national security law, the office will clearly be more proactive. It says it is only carrying out its long-standing responsibility to liaise, an official role given to it by Beijing.
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Top Beijing official in Hong Kong visits subdivided flats, fishermen and elderly in listening tour
The central government has stressed Hong Kong must urgently tackle livelihood issues. At such a time, the liaison office might face questions if its officials hide themselves away.
But it needs to be mindful not to undermine the authority of the local administration or create a perception that Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy has evaporated. It is not surprising Lam had to brush aside suggestions that the office has become a “second governing team”.
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The liaison office’s campaign will hopefully lead to a better understanding by Beijing of sentiment in the city, including all its frustrations and concerns.
To achieve that, its officials will need to meet people from all walks of life and across the political spectrum. But there is also a need for clarity. When problems are identified, who will provide the solutions?
Greater clarity is needed to avoid confusion. Local officials must step up their own efforts to connect with the people and a more proactive office, while reaching out, needs to be mindful of the city’s high level of autonomy.
