Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee Vice-chairman Tung Chee Hwa says many negative effects have begun to emerge as the Occupy Central movement enters its fourth week, making the situation more worrying.
Speaking to the media today, Mr Tung said he noticed that some students were unhappy with the authorities and believed only universal suffrage could solve the problem.
Mr Tung recognises and supports students’ pursuit of a more equitable and just system in Hong Kong, and agreed that Hong Kong is facing many problems such as housing, a widening wealth gap, and so on.
He stressed, though, that the Government, led by Chief Executive CY Leung, did not turn a deaf ear to the people and had taken steps to tackle those problems.
He noted that Hong Kong's education, housing and medical services meet international standards, despite the low tax rate regime here, adding that the Government’s efforts should be recognised.
Mr Tung said the students’ appeals had been heard and were having an effect, and now was the time for them to end the protest.
