Lawmaker Michael Tien criticised Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying on how he deals with the pro-Beijing camp, as well as stated concerns for in-fighting among Beijing loyalists.
The LegCo member and deputy chairman of the New People’s Party told Ming Pao that, in order for the pro-Beijing camp to remain united, efforts have to be made on Leung’s part, in addition to the Central Government as well as the Beijing loyalists themselves.
“The Central Government should tell Leung: In order for us to support you, you need to look in the mirror. You need to do what you’re supposed to do and secure respect from others.” Tien said that Leung’s handling of events has affected the pro-Beijing’s camp’s support for him.
Tien used the government’s refusal to grant HKTV a free-to-air license in 2013 as an example. He said that Leung was not able to explain the reasons behind the refusal clearly to the public, meaning the incident put the pro-Beijing camp under pressure.
Tien also pinpointed the need for members within the pro-Beijing camp to put on a united front.
“Taking advantage of your own people, or taunting them—do these things help to unite the camp?” He said.
If the division persists, Tien said, the Central Government may become concerned that the pro-Beijing lawmakers are not united. This would bring negative effects on the continuation of “One Country, Two Systems,” he added.
Michael Tien was first elected to the Legislative Council in 2012 and was formerly a member of the Liberal Party, which is led by his brother James.
