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However, the Governor of Hong Kong has always been powerful and
supreme. But no one has ever called him a dictator. Some people even
feel confident, saying that the Governor is kept in check by the
British democratic tradition.
Creating an atmosphere in which the chief will be dethroned
The British democratic system had been deified during the
"public opinion war" when the Sino-British talks were going on. But now
the governor, appointed under a democratic system to rule over Hong Kong,
is no longer regarded as a "god". The convenor of the Constitutional
Affairs Panel even publicly proposed at the LegCo that the Governor should vacate
his office as chairman of the LegCo.
The trick is to draw attention to 1997 and to create an atmosphere
where councillors dare to offend the Chief Executive, or even
to displace him. So they might as well put up a good show or two now,
grooming a group of Hongkong heroes to remove the Chief Executive from his
"throne" in the LegCo. This political asset is also the best gift for
the "non-Establishment" camp.
The post-1997 Chief Executive will certainly frown
upon these "heroes" in LegCo who dare to "pull down the king from his
horse". Whether or not the government will become a "lame duck"will be in the
hands of fate.
The storm over "shoe shining" in the LegCo on 15 October was
described by some as a highly explosive scene. There was a cartoon picture
which depicted the LegCo Building being blown up, throwing the Governor,
the "super ostriches" and shoe brushes high into the air. It was
very effective publicity material. But is the situation really so serious?
In my opinion, this is nothing but a publicity stunt mounted by certain newspapers which often reflect the views of the "advisers". Of course, one must act the part well, put some fire into the acting and
raise a big fanfare to boost the morale of the key actors who challenge
the "god". Another way of doing this is
through editorials.