Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang called on the business community to become more active in Hong Kong's political scene.

"The public is demanding greater inclusion, transparency and openness in our political development and policy making," Mr Tsang said at a Chamber Distinguished Speakers luncheon on June 16. "In this climate, business also needs to rethink how it handles such demands. The approach of business so far to politics has tended to be rather reactive, conservative and behind-the-scenes. But this could be counter productive."

He said now was the time for business to step up to the plate if it wants to help shape Hong Kong's future.

"If business feels it should have a say in how the government formulates and implements policy then business needs to speak up -- publicly, collectively and coherently. If business wants political parties to champion their cause then business needs to engage the political parties and convince them why championing the cause of business is good for Hong Kong and its people."

"Business people need to shed their anxiety and fear that if and when they step into the political arena, it will give rise to a perception of a collusion of business and political interests. In an open society, every sector is a legitimate player in politics. But to be a player you must do so in an open and public manner. To the government, it is always important to maintain transparency and a level-playing field for all."

Business must adapt as Hong Kong heads towards universal suffrage

Mr Tsang noted that functional constituencies will remain for the 2004 and 2008 Legislative Council elections, "so business, commerce and professional groups will maintain a direct line in the legislative process and in performing a 'check and balance' function on the government."

As Hong Kong heads down the road to its ultimate goal of electing all LegCo members by universal suffrage, functional constituencies will have to evolve with this process, he said.

"The business community as a whole needs to start thinking about how it deals with this change. It must be prepared to get more involved. For example, business can do more to nurture and support political talent and parties. Business can do more to establish or support research institutes or think tanks that in turn would help to lift the quality of policy debate and deliberation in Hong Kong. Business can do more by speaking up on important issues that extend beyond their ambit of influence or interest, particularly if those issues have an impact on Hong Kong's competitiveness and attraction as a world city," he said.

"The government needs to hear your views, the public needs to hear your views, on how we can maintain Hong Kong's energy and vitality and viability, not just in the economic realm, but in the social and political realms as well. In my view, a more vocal, community-spirited and transparent business lobby would garner public trust, which in turn would help dispel any misconceptions about collusion, or a political 'free lunch'."

Let the public know how business causes benefit community

Business needs to take a more pro-active approach in stating and explaining their legitimate causes, Mr Tsang said, while at the same time engaging the public by explaining how and why these causes will benefit the community.

This appeal for business to get involved in politics applied equally to other sectors, he stressed: "to the grass roots organisations, to social and welfare groups and organisations, to the professions, to academics and students, to blue and white collar workers, to politicians and the political parties themselves."

Position papers from business welcome

As the Constitutional Development Task Force -- which Mr Tsang heads -- starts holding focus groups to seek more views and input on the way forward, he will look forward to the business sector playing an active part in the process.

"The General Chamber of Commerce has been playing its part and has urged its members to provide input and constructive comment. We wholeheartedly welcome more of you to participate. I look forward to receiving your position papers on this," he said.