The government has a fight on its hands over its decision to grant a prime Mid-Levels site to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for expansion.
For a nominal sum of HK$1,000, the 2,100 square metre site will be given to the ministry to meet its need for more space. That sum is roughly the same as what the government asked of foreign consulates when they took over central areas they currently occupy.
But the pan-democrats are taking issue with the decision.
In a letter to Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, Democratic Party vice-chairwoman Emily Lau Wai-hing said no one deserved special treatment, especially when the lack of affordable land had already resulted in people being forced to pay dearly for their homes.
'Land is a valuable resource and the public is already very angry with rising property costs,' Lau wrote in the letter.
'If the government wants to give mainland bodies in Hong Kong free land and other special privileges, it should first consult Legco and the public on such policies.'
