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Candidates for HK chief executive debate on TV

The two candidates in Hong Kong's leadership battle went head-to-head in a final live televised debate on Thursday, 10 days before the chief executive election.

Beijing-backed Chief Executive Donald Tsang (曾蔭權) and the pro-democracy challenger, barrister and lawmaker Alan Leong (梁家傑) met face-to-face in only the second-ever leadership debate in the territory following the landmark contest earlier this month.

They traded barbs in a 90-minute session -- which was this time thrown open to the public -- discussing questions from the 200-strong audience on issues including education, poverty, unemployment, transport and competition law.

In his trademark bowtie, this time in yellow, Tsang -- seen as a shoo-in for the vote decided by 800 mostly pro-Beijing elites on March 25 -- spoke calmly and fluently, while Leong put up a strong fight during the debate.

There was also heated debate on the thorny issue of the timing of the territory's long-promised switch to full democracy -- which has riven the former British colony since it reverted to the Chinese rule in 1997.

"Hong Kong people must be given the opportunity to choose their own chief executive and legislators. This could be made possible without changing the [mini-constitution] Basic Law," said Leong, donning a pink tie to match his campaign colors.

Hong Kong's populace does not have the rights to choose its own leader and China has tight control over its political development.

Half a million people took to the streets in 2003 and 2004 to demand full democracy.

Tsang said the Hong Kongers would need to first gain trust from China.

"Everyone needs to understand that any change in policy ... would need the agreement of the central government," he said.

Leong attacked Tsang for lacking a stance on the issue.

"Up until now, Mr Tsang is standing up here and he still hasn't told us whether he supports universal suffrage or not. As a leader of Hong Kong, he should take some responsibility," Leong said. "I do not underestimate the difficulty in getting the central government to agree to universal suffrage; but as a leader, you shouldn't just listen to Beijing alone. You have to listen to the public and make a push for universal suffrage."

Tsang, a 40-year career civil servant, retaliated by promising a solution to the issue if elected.

Under the British colonial rule, leaders were appointed by the British monarch and since the city's handover of sovereignty to China, they have been selected by the 800-member Election Committee.

Leong is the first challenger to have garnered enough nominations to enter the race.
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