Condemning HK criticism not way to go for Tsang

Eunice Lam

Smears and criticisms of Hong Kong will not be stopped by a stern condemnation, former Legislative Council president Jasper Tsang Yok-sing said, instead calling for the city to rebuild ties with the West.

The administration has been actively denying and condemning criticisms in recent years but the founding chairman of the largest pro-Beijing party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said in an interview that it and politicians should "tell good stories about Hong Kong and China peacefully" instead.

"How can we further reason with the entire international community so they will accept our approach? We need to consider this as well."

He believes communication with the rest of the world should not be interrupted even if the United States takes action or risk jeopardizing Hong Kong's role as a bridge with the world in the long run.

When asked about the administration's nearly HK$100 billion deficit, Tsang, a mathematics graduate from the University of Hong Kong, felt a deficit was inevitable as the local economy could not recover given the current international situation.

But he cast doubt on how the administration can increase revenue when conditions are already harsh for those trying to make a livelihood.

As to whether Legco members should take the lead by accepting salary cuts, Tsang said "a small move can affect the whole" but warned salary cuts among public bodies may pose risks of wage-cutting in the private sector and further hinder people's willingness to spend.