T-Salon

For sure, the pro-Hong Kong government and pro-Beijing factions have been very quiet in the past several weeks. They have restrained from making any comments on Hong Kong's democractic aspirations so as not to provoke more people to take on the street this Sunday. But one or two business tycoons just couldn't help but made rather provocative statements. Sometimes I wonder if the they are just trying to help mobilize more people to protest in disguise of acting loyal to their masters in Zhongnanhai.

Yesterday The Standard reported that: "Beijing will set a timetable for universal suffrage in Hong Kong only if pro- democracy politicians behave like patriots, casino mogul Stanley Ho said."

"I have met some high-ranking central leaders regarding this issue. They told me that I can pass their message to the democrats," Ho said.

"Their reply is: the introduction of universal suffrage will not be later than 2046. Even if we can have democracy in 2046, the central government is still fulfilling its promise made in the Basic Law."

Simon World commented with a sense of irony: "Quick, set up the countdown clock, there's only 41 years left! 2046 is only a mere 39 years later than the Basic Law promised. But you can't rush these things."

More messages from Beijing via the casino tycoon's mouth:

Beijing really wants Hong Kong to have universal suffrage as soon as possible, he said.

"The central government is more impatient than Hong Kong people. But the problem is that Hong Kong hasn't even taken the first step towards universal suffrage, so how can Beijing guarantee you a timetable?" he asked.

Ho said the democrats should support the government proposals to allow Hong Kong to enjoy social stability and economic prosperity.

"If the government reform package is passed in Legco, property prices will jump up by at least 20 percent," Ho said.