A SENIOR Hong Kong lawmaker was expelled from the national political advisory body yesterday.

    James Tien had his “qualifications revoked” as a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China News Service said.

    The prominent businessman and politician had criticized Hong Kong’s embattled Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying for failing to put an end to more than a month of the Occupy Central protests, which paralyze Hong Kong’s major business areas including Central and Mong Kok.

    The CPPCC voted to pass the “decision on revoking James Tien Beijun’s membership at the 12th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference,” the government body said without providing further details.

    In a brief statement after the decision, Tien said he had accepted the CPPCC ruling and that he would resign as leader of the Liberal Party.

    “I just remembered I am a lawmaker in Hong Kong, neglecting my role as a CPPCC member. Maybe that was inappropriate,” Tien said of his comments about Leung.

    Hong Kong demonstrators have staged street rallies for more than a month, calling for “civil nomination” for the candidates of the next chief executive in the SAR.

    James Tien is a senior member of the city’s pro-business Liberal Party.

    He said last week that Leung should consider resigning for failing to clear the protesters from the streets.

    “Residents are ignoring court injunctions (to disperse) and pan-democrats are being uncooperative. How is he going to govern?” Tien said Friday, according to Hong Kong media.

    (SD-Agencies)