Zhang Xiaoming 'on HK Visit' Amid Poll Delay

RTHK has learnt that a top Beijing official, Zhang Xiaoming, is on a visit to Hong Kong amid debate whether pan-democratic lawmakers disqualified from running in the now-postponed Legco election would be allowed to remain in the legislature during a one-year vacuum.

Zhang, a deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and a former head of the liaison office in Hong Kong, is expected to meet with people here to listen to their views on the issue.

A number of pro-government lawmakers, including Ma Fung-kwok, Paul Tse and Junius Ho, were seen leaving the liaison office on Monday morning.

Reports say some proposed allowing all lawmakers to stay on for one year, while others were against the idea. Zhang is said to be taking a neutral stance on the matter.

News of the visit comes ahead of a meeting by the National People's Congress Standing Committee, which will come up with a decision on the way forward. But it's not immediately known if delegates will address the issue in their meeting that starts on Saturday.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam last week postponed the election by a year because of the Covid-19 situation in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office issued a statement in response to Lam's announcement, saying it "reflects a highly responsible attitude towards the life and health of Hong Kong citizens. It is very necessary, reasonable and legal, and the central government fully understands and agrees."

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