Vote deals a blow to Hong Kong's push for democracy

[dArKeR]

A pro-democracy lawmaker yesterday accused opponents of toeing Beijing's line by voting against a proposal to consult the public on whether to hold direct elections for Hong Kong's leader and all legislators.

Pro-Beijing and big-business lawmakers who dominate Hong Kong's legislature rejected the nonbinding motion late on Wednesday with a 30 to 18 vote, dealing a blow to the push for quicker democracy in the territory.

"They obviously don't want to upset Beijing on this issue," said Andrew Cheng, who introduced the measure.

"The political inclination now is to be as conservative as possible and suppress dissenting politicians," he said.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/02/27/2003100313

[mac2]

1. No Democracy in Hong Kong?

Is that a surprise with the Chinese ruling Hong Kong? They promised!! Ya like Bush promised democracy and ethics, etc. in the White House.

It is a stall tactic. How many years has it been? The Chinese robbed their banks and their democracy (as much as you could have under the British at the time). It ain't going to happen.