Albert Chen Interview in China Daily: "Checks on CE candidates needed"

Parker Zheng/China Daily

"Checks on CE candidates needed, says Albert Chen"
Kahon Chan
China Daily
19 May 2015

A vetting process for Chief Executive candidates prior to an election by universal suffrage was essential because the post is vested with key powers which concern the country’s security and sovereignty, Basic Law adviser Albert Chen Hung-yee said.

     Since 1997 the former dean of the University of Hong Kong’s faculty of law has served on the HKSAR Basic Law Committee, a statutory working group that advises the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC). He is one of the two longest-serving committee members.

     The Basic Law provides that the Nominating Committee (NC) is an integral part of the proposed election by universal suffrage. After the election victory, the CE-elect must first secure appointment by the central government before taking office.

     In an exclusive interview Chen told China Daily that while the central government has the power to appoint the local CE, any veto of an appointment — rejecting the choice of the full electorate —could trigger political turmoil in Hong Kong... Click here to read the full article.