Dialogue trumps debate

At long last, the Democratic Party formally met with central government officials.

The meeting at the Central Liaison Office in Hong Kong is a symbolic breakthrough both the Democrats and Beijing have been trying to achieve on the question of political development. But the way forward is still clouded with uncertainties.

Pessimism still reigns because the progress doesn't necessarily mean the Democrats will vote for the 2012 electoral package. Much more needs to be done before that could happen.

It's clear Beijing has given higher priority to winning over the Democrats rather than wooing others. Instead of holding the first formal meeting with the Alliance for Universal Suffrage, Central Liaison Office deputy director Li Gang opted for the Democrats. Why?

First, both the Democratic Party and alliance are nearly identical in their quests. But the Democrats are the most organized political bloc in the group. Instead of appealing to moderates in general, it makes sense to cultivate special ties with the core bloc.

Beijing has shown sincerity in working toward the 2012 package's passage, and it's plausible the central government has a more grandiose plan in mind.

As I've said, Hong Kong has been hampered by political bickering all these years. Had it not been for the endless arguments cursing the SAR, Hong Kong could have been steps ahead from where it is now. It's fine and dandy if authorities can win over three or four more opposition votes to back the package, but this alone can't alleviate the fundamental concern of brinkmanship. To solve the problem conclusively, it will be strategic to improve ties with the biggest opposition party. If the package is rejected, society may also become more radical.

While I believe even the Democrats hope the electoral proposal will pass, it's hard to say if things will go according to plan. How will Beijing respond to the Democrats' list of demands?

While it's anybody's guess, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen uttered the hard truth yesterday when he admitted at a public function that nobody can be optimistic at this stage.

There are bound to be partisan interests to overcome in the search for the community's interest. The key in breaking the deadlock lies in the will of the concerned parties - pro- establishment and opposition included - to place the SAR's interests ahead of their own party interests. In countries of mature political culture, the national interest is always paramount.

Frankly, I'm baffled by Tsang's challenge to Civic Party lawmaker Audrey Eu Yuet-mee to debate him on television. He may be right in arguing a TV debate will help the public better understand the issue. But don't the opinion polls indicate the majority of people already support the 2012 package?

I wonder what additional benefits can be gained from a high-profile debate. Perhaps Democratic Party vanguard Szeto Wah put it best when he suggested it was aimed at cracking the opposition. If that's the case, it shouldn't be done by the government.

Let's not lose sight of the goal. What really matters is the moderates' dialogue with Beijing - not the debate.

英文虎報 Central Station | By Mary Ma