Szeto raises questions of liberty
Mock chief executive candidate Szeto Wah yesterday questioned whether the contenders for the real top post would promise to defend democracy and civil liberties.
Mr Szeto's remarks came as the Democratic Party held its first chief executive candidates' forum outside the Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui.
None of the four candidates - shipping magnate Tung Chee-hwa, outgoing Chief Justice Sir Ti Liang Yang, tycoon Peter Woo Kwong-ching and solicitor Lo Tak-shing - took part.
Mr Szeto said the chief executive would have the right to decide not to table bills to the legislature giving Hong Kong people less democracy and civil liberties.
'Even if such a bill is moved by a legislator and is passed by the legislature, the chief executive can decide not to sign and promulgate it,' he said. 'But are they [the chief executive candidates] going to make a promise that they will not let such bills become law?' Mr Szeto, who will stand in a mock election being organised by the Democratic Party - said what made him different was that he had the courage and determination to say 'no' to Beijing to protect Hong Kong's interests.
