Liaison chief hopes ‘pan-dems’ will return to dialogue

The central government’s top liaison official expressed his hopes on Tuesday that the city’s “pan-democratic” legislators can drop their partisanship and strengthen communication with the Liaison Office — for the overall benefit of Hong Kong’s long-term development.

Wang Zhimin, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, made the remarks during a spring luncheon with Hong Kong lawmakers.

Even though all “pan-democratic” lawmakers rejected the invitation, the office is always open to all members of Hong Kong society, President of the Legislative Council Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen quoted Wang as saying after the gathering.

Wang said he hoped that in future, “pan-democratic” lawmakers can respond the office’s invitation with goodwill and enter a “door of communication”. This would enhance mutual trust and cooperation with the office, he added.

Leung said it was regrettable that “pan-democrats” were absent from this precious opportunity to express their opinions and discuss issues that concern Hong Kong people.

He hopes to see more proactive communication in future, so lawmakers can better serve Hong Kong residents and contribute to the SAR’s prosperity.

Agreeing with Leung, Starry Lee Wai-king, chairwoman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, the largest political party in the LegCo, said the absence of the “pan-democratic” lawmakers would disappoint Hong Kong people.

“Because Hong Kong people look forward to seeing lawmakers acting as a bridge with the SAR government and the Liaison Office, and conveying their views on different areas,” Lee said.

She noted that all senior officials of the office attended gathering, which she thought showed the office’s sincerity in wishing to talk with lawmakers.

She hoped there could be more opportunities for the Liaison Office to communicate with various sectors in Hong Kong in future.

Lee said the development outline for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area was a significant topic during the luncheon. Wang and other officials attached great importance to the plan, and pledged to follow up lawmakers’ suggestions, she said.

Legislator Ma Fung-kwok said the luncheon was a good occasion for friendly communication — with a relaxed atmosphere. He hoped “pandemocratic” lawmakers would cherish any opportunities for dialogue.

“I believe more dialogue and less confrontation is definitely a common expectation of all Hong Kong people,” added Ma.