CONTROVERSY surrounding a day care centre in Laguna City for former mental patients turned into a political storm yesterday.
Liberal Party members and Meeting Point legislator Mr Fred Li Wah-ming - who represents Kowloon East, the constituency in which Laguna City is situated - were involved in a heated series of exchanges.
Members of the Liberal Party preparatory committee and a former residents' representative Mr Johnny Lui Chi-ming, claimed that Mr Li had not sufficiently reflected residents' views on the day care centre.
A core member of the Liberal Party preparatory committee, Mrs Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee, said: ''A directly-elected member should at least reflect the views of the residents in his constituency, even though he may not accept their views.'' Mr Li vehemently rejected the claims. ''[They are] grossly untrue and unfair,'' he said.
Mr Lui, who is also chairman of a concern group at Laguna City, said he was angry that Mr Li had promised to call for a temporary halt to the plan, but now supported it.
He also accused Mr Li of failing to relay residents' objections to other legislators on the welfare panel on February 26, when members unanimously supported the plan.
At a press conference on January 15, Mr Li had called for a halt to the centre, Mr Lui said.