Youth Body Members Duel Over Political 'red Line'

Members of the new Youth Development Commission on Thursday locked horns over the so-called "red line" in politics on Thursday, with a Democratic Party member, Senia Ng, questioning the body's vice chairman over what kind of discussion should be allowed.

Talking in a radio show, Lau Ming-wai said that nobody can cross the "red line" when they participate in politics or engage in political debates. He said the country's and the SAR government's political stance is very clear.

But Ng, who was also on the show, said the red line seems to keep changing, and she expressed the hope that the government is truly willing to listen to people with different political views.

She said even though she cannot represent everyone from the pro-democracy camp, it's important that there's a voice from the camp in the commission. Ng said she'll try to explain why some people are calling for Hong Kong independence and for locals to decide their own future.

Lau also said it's naive to say that disqualifying people from running for the legislature is a form of suppression of local youths. He said pro-democracy figures who were not disqualified from the legislature are not exactly people who had sworn allegiance to the Communist Party.

Lau, who chairs the local property giant Chinese Estate Holdings, described the composition of the new Youth Development Commission as "almost perfect", saying members come from a variety of backgrounds.

He told the Commercial Radio programme that his ideal commission member is a person who insists on his or her beliefs yet isn't too radical, and can get along with others.