The best criticism comprises of both doubts and suggestions, liaison office director tells lawmakers

The legislature is now on the right path as it has returned to rationality, said Zheng Yanxiong, director of the Chinese liaison office in Hong Kong, who also told lawmakers that the best criticism is comprised of both doubts and suggestions. 

Zheng noted that the Legislative Council effectively solving issues like canceling the offsetting mechanism of the Mandatory Provident Fund and regulating infringement acts on the internet, is proof that the council has returned to its “practical” side and can strengthen support towards the government’s administration to further promote policies that benefit the city in the long run. 

He added that the LegCo passed 42 percent of government bills and increased government’s funding by 143 percent. 

He also told legislators that while monitoring the government, they have to understand that it is easy to criticize and hard to do the work. Still, he believed the government is happy to be listening to criticism and lawmakers criticize for the sake of Hong Kong. 

Delivering an opening speech at a luncheon event invited by LegCo president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen on Friday, Zheng said: “The pearl of the orient is as romantic as it was, and the dynamic is even better than that in the past.” 

He said the healthy interaction between the administration and the legislature can be seen by exchanges among the Chief Executive and lawmakers and joint visits to the Greater Bay Area, which also showcase the advantages of the city’s own democratic system. 

Zheng, who is also the deputy director of the newly created Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Community Party of China Central Committee, said the establishment of this new office indicates that Beijing is now focusing more on the work in the two SARs. 

Yet, the main directions and policies will remain unchanged as the liaison office’s role as a “super liaison” is still to contract and pass down messages from the Central Government, implement Beijing’s policies, and help the mainland understand stakeholders’ opinions. 

Zheng added if Leung doesn’t oppose, he still wants to visit the LegCo the next year.