Hong Kong politics Ip to pan-democrats: Stop grandstanding and be pragmatic

Executive Councilor and New Party leader, Regina Ip, represents the pro-establishment views on democratic reform, namely, that China  has spoken definitively on universal suffrage of the Chief Executive through the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. Chinese officials have spoken of national security concerns and fear an antagonistic pan-democrat CE, even though China wields veto power over the appointment of the CE, who must – according to article 23 of the Basic Law – be “accountable”, and article 28(8) “implement directives” by the central government.
As a rule, observers and the general public here believe that Hong Kong’s notably pragmatic and sensible citizens would only elect someone who can get along with the central authorities. The NPC decision, although not as technically binding as an interpretation, is widely seen as largely non-negotiable. If accepted by the legislature, it looks set to be the final stage of political reform for the CE election; that reform being a catalyst for Occupy Central. In an interview with the Times, Ip called for the pan-democrats to engage, try to build trust with Beijing by engaging in further consultation, to be pragmatic and “not say things in public which are hard to reverse” and for the students to also engage in dialogue. Ip concludes that, “we will get there inch by inch.”

Macau Daily Times – The pan-democrats have not been getting their message across to Beijing for over twenty years. Why?
Regina Ip (RI) – They’ve aimed too high; civic nomination is unrealistic. They overshot the mark. For example, they have cold-shouldered Beijing’s invitation to Shanghai, and this sort of protest is not helping Beijing’s confidence. The goals are therefore unrealistic. Civic nomination is a red herring. If we want more room for the democrats from Beijing’s point of view, the starting point must be at least some respect for the Basic Law.
MDT – Is there a cross-cultural barrier too?
RI – This is not just “one country, two systems”  but one country, two cultures. In some quarters it’s “one country, two ideologies.” That’s what makes governing Hong Kong so complex and challenging. It’s reality. People who grew up in the colonial days, we have a stronger sense of connection to China emotionally and culturally. These young people don’t. It’s a problem that Beijing understands and that, I think, takes a long time to fix.

MDT – Crucial issues as Beijing sees it include a lack of respect for the authority of the CCP and not insisting on June 4 – which is very sensitive. And after 1989 there was a loss of trust.
RI – Not only harking back to June 4, but also down with one party rule that’s really unrealistic. For Hong Kong to change the destiny of China we should try our best to improve our own government step by step.

MDT – So what are you calling for the democrats to do now?
RI – To be pragmatic, to set realistic goals, and not forgo the chance of engagement.

MDT – How can they build Beijing’s trust, which is so crucial?
RI – I think some of my colleagues, having been politicians for decades, are too used to grandstanding in public. They should not say things in public which are hard to reverse, and need to get off their high horse. I think all of us should approach this ultra-important issue with humility, mutual respect and tolerance. That’s the way forward.

MDT – Tsang Yok-sing has urged political coalition.
RI – Tsang Yok-sing has been admirable in reaching across the aisles; that has always been his approach. He hails from (pro-
Beijing party) DAB. As president of the legislative assembly he has always been fair-minded as possible and I respect that. As a Legco Member I will continue to try to reach across the aisles, and not aggravate the conflict and tension. And vis-a-vis the protestors, the best way to overcome the current impasse is through thorough public discussions. The whole community must know the goals, what’s not achievable, what’s the best way forward – and build a consensus. We are calling for students (and Occupy leaders) to talk to us (New People’s Party) because we are not the government but independent and, as (NPP consultant) Dr Allan Zeman said, close to government.

MDT – But you’re in Exco.
RI – Yes. I’m also a popularly elected legislator.

MDT – You have known CY Leung for a long time.
RI – Well…yes. So I think we will get there inch by inch. It’s an uphill battle but we will keep trying. I think it’s a question of building goodwill with the students and that’s difficult. Robert Carroll, Hong Kong Correspondent

In her corner: Regina Ip

Pro-Beijing, Chairperson of thte New People’s Party, popularly elected legislator. Regina Ip is a former senior civil servant-turned-politician. Failed to run for Chief Executive in 2012. May try to run again. Champions the party line and relationship with China. Highly pessimistic about rapprochement with students.