Past haunts Chan in debate with Lo
(STANDARD) 09月 25日 星期二 05:30AM
Anson Chan Fang On-sang came under criticism for "acting like a minister and a bureaucrat" at last night's debate with her rival pro-democracy candidate in December's legislative by-election.
"I thought I was talking to a government official," former lawmaker Lo Wing-lok said during the 1-hour debate as part of the pro-democracy camp's selection mechanism to pick its candidate for the Hong Kong Island poll to be held on December 2.
Chan - Hong Kong's "Iron Lady" and former chief secretary under the Tung Chee-hwa administration - and Lo of the League of Social Democrats are vying to represent the pan-democrats in the by-election to fill the seat vacated by the death of pro-Beijing politician Ma Lik.
Lo lashed out at Chan for lacking a firm stance on various critical issues facing the territory.
Ma Ngok, a Chinese University associate professor who is one of three academics who questioned the two contenders, said Lo appeared to have gained the upper hand in the debate.
"He was consistent and logical, but Chan had some baggage from her past performance and spoke like the minister she used to be," Ma said.
Ma described Chan as being "double-edged" over sensitive issues or past policies while she was with the government, such as the June 4 incident and on heritage conservation.
But Ma said Chan will attract more middle-of-the-road voters and that the debate was a good exercise for her.
Veteran democrat legislator Martin Lee Chu-ming - a staunch supporter of Chan's candidacy - said her performance reflected her civil service background and that she was not as radical as Lo.
Both Chan and Lo told the audience they will fight for double universal suffrage by 2012, with Chan vowing to strive for a compromise with Beijing.
"The SAR government should, at least, set a clear roadmap and timetable [for universal suffrage]," Chan said.
She repeated she has no intention of running for chief executive in 2012 as she would be 70 by then.
In opening remarks at the debate, which was also attended by her husband and daughter, Chan said she decided to seek election because there has been no real progress in democracy since the handover.
But she said: "I hope I can become a bridge between Beijing, the SAR government, the Legco and the public, representing all walks of life."
Lo, admitting Chan is more likely to win, said: "At least, it shows there's diversity and openness in the democratic camp."
The camp will also carry out a poll on the contenders' popularity before balloting. The result is expected to be known on Sunday.