'Beijing's Misconduct Claim Should Be Followed Up'

Hong Kong's sole member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Tam Yiu-chung, has rejected claims that Beijing has interfered in the SAR's affairs with its public condemnation of the pan-democrats' delaying tactics in Legco, as he urged prosecutors to follow up allegations of misconduct in public office.

The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) issued a statement on Monday accusing opposition lawmakers of disrupting normal operations in the council, and of abusing their power by delaying the election process for a House Committee chair.

The statement also claimed that opposition lawmakers -- including legal sector lawmaker Dennis Kwok who has been presiding over the committee meetings -- have ignored the public interest for political gain, and questioned whether the pan-dems have breached their lawmaker oaths, and are guilty of misconduct in public office.

On an RTHK programme, Tam said the HKMAO has a responsibility to comment on the failure of Legco to choose a House Committee chairperson, because this affects the operation of the legislative system by delaying bills.

When asked if he felt that Kwok could be guilty of misconduct in public office, Tam said that is something the Department of Justice should look into.

But he added that he doesn't think it is necessary to prosecute Kwok immediately, and while the failure of Legco to function properly is negligent, the answer is for opposition lawmakers to stop holding things up.

These comments were later echoed by executive councillor Ronny Tong, who said the role of the HKMAO and Beijing's liaison office is to offer insight and opinions.

Speaking on the same RTHK programme later on Tuesday, Kwok said the comments from the HKMAO on Hong Kong's legislative affairs are a clear violation of the Basic Law and have undermined the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.

Kwok added that in order to accuse someone of misconduct in public office, there needs to be clear evidence, asking which part of his oath of office he has violated.