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February 17, 2005

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Be afraid

Hong Kong's two pro-Beijing political parties have merged to form the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB). Given the Progressive Alliance was decimated in the Legco elections this was only a matter of time and more a takeover than a merger. Besides being one of the most atrocious names for any political party it they will wield considereable power. The new DAB is being touted as the "kingmaker" for the next Chief Executive and Government.

With the merger, the new DAB could double its representation to 125 members [out of 800] in the Election Committee that will elect the next chief executive in 2007...

A DAB member said plans are under way within the party to interview candidates for the next chief executive one by one at a closed-door party forum. It is understood the DAB aims to lobby the most likely candidate to form a partnership with the party in exchange for support for the candidate's election bid.

This "grassroots" party has a total of 2,300 members out of a population of 6.9 million. They are now in the position to decide the next Chief Executive and bind that person in a loyalty pact, all with Beijing's complicit approval. Yes, it's time to panic.

In collusion news, PCCW's Cyberport property project is going great guns (for background try here and here). Thanks, Hong Kong. Soon the whole city will be Disneyland.

 posted by Simon on 02.17.05 at 09:20 AM in the




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