Central Govt Has Right To Slam Lawmakers: CY Leung

Former Chief Executive CY Leung said on Tuesday that Beijing has the "absolute right to condemn" lawmakers, after pan-democrats accused the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) of interfering in the SAR's internal affairs.

Leung, who is a vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, wrote in a post on his Facebook page that comments on the saga by members of the pro-democracy camp are "obviously misleading".

He said the Basic Law – formulated by the National People's Congress and authorised by the President – clearly outlines the statutory duties of Legco, and that Beijing has the right to criticise any lawmakers who refuse to perform these duties.

Leung took aim at legal sector councillor Dennis Kwok, who has been presiding over House Committee meetings, for deliberately stalling the election of a chairperson "for the sake of personal political interests".

He also criticised the pan-dems for filibustering Legco proceedings, and said the people of Hong Kong should focus their attention on whether the delay tactics will benefit the SAR.

On Monday, the HKMAO issued a statement 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 have ignored the public interest for political gain, and questioned whether the pan-dems are guilty of misconduct in public office.