Pro-Beijing Bloc Crumbles in Blame Game

Over 230,000 came out to protest in Tsim Sha Tsui yesterday afternoon

It was bound to happen -- the pro-Beijing camp is now split, pointing fingers at who is to blame for the fallout from the controversial extradition bill that has been suspended, though the protest marches continue to demand a complete withdrawal.

The Liberal Party's James Tien Pei-chun has openly demanded three people take the blame: the party's own Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, and Exco members Ronny Tong Ka-wah and Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, who strongly supported the bill.

James Tien pointed fingers at the pro-establishment bloc

During a radio program today Tien said: "Cheung is supposed to be a Liberal Party representative in Exco to convey public opinion to the government. However, he has gone the opposite way and is pushing the party to support the government line."

When it comes to Tong and Ip, Tien said: "Members of the Executive Council are appointed by the chief executive while secretaries are appointed by the central government, therefore it's more feasible for the government to reshuffle its cabinet than to make heads roll in the top administrative echelon."

While Tong respected Tien's opinion, Tong felt that neither he nor his Exco colleagues did anything wrong.

However Ip told the media she had no plans to resign and that Tien's remarks were illogical and irresponsible.

Tien clamed Ronny Tong was to blame for the bill's fiasco...

"[James Tien] said we did not reflect the public's view, but let's not forget, there are different views on the matter in the society," she said, adding people were concerned about livelihood issues like housing and salaries.

Ip is just trying to deflect the issue away from her, because so many people, both young and old have come out to protest because they believe the extradition bill will affect their personal safety and security in Hong Kong.

This is the reality of the proposal of the bill that Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor had put forward and law experts, lawyers and judges sounded warning bells as well.

Tien's call for the trio to quit was backed by three of his fellow honorary chairmen, who make up half of the party's eight-member leadership. They were Selina Liang Shuk-yee, Vincent Fang Kang, and Miriam Lau Kin-yee, along with Tien.

... as well as Regina Ip, though she refused to resign

What's interesting about Tien is that while he is pro-establishment, he will sometimes go against the government in its decisions or give constructive criticism. Back in April he was already calling for the government to shelve the extradition bill, or delay the passing of the bill for another year for more consultation.

With regards to the protests, Tien says the marchers should focus more on the Legislative Council elections next year than go out protesting every week.

He would say that, being a pro-business lawmaker... but people aren't going to listen to him anyway. They seem determined to keep the momentum going. And the peaceful marches are making Hongkongers feel unified. Isn't that a good thing?