Leung Kwok-hung, also known as "Long Hair", put on an unruly display again on Thursday. Although he looks different as a result of his time behind bars for violating the Public Order Ordinance - his hair is significantly shorter - the stint in prison apparently failed to change him for the better. According to an old Chinese saying, "It is easier to change the environment than someone's personality." There is also a less flattering one, "You cannot teach a crab to walk straight."

His latest antics were staged on the way to Shenzhen as he joined other opposition lawmakers for a seminar at the invitation of the National People's Congress (NPC). This was to discuss matters concerning the implementation of universal suffrage in the 2017 Chief Executive (CE) election. Leung wore a T-shirt emblazoned with political slogans banned on the mainland. As expected, he was refused entry at the border checkpoint because he would not change his clothes.

The stunt came as no surprise because "Long Hair" did it four months earlier. That was during a visit by Legislative Council members to Shanghai. Leung had announced in advance he would take illegal items to the mainland. He wanted to ensure he was barred from entering on both occasions. This was an apparent attempt to embarrass the central government. But it turned out to be nothing more than a political freak show. The whole world knows he is little more than a professional troublemaker.

The central government arranged the Shanghai and Shenzhen visits for Hong Kong lawmakers because they play an indispensable role in constitutional reform. It is their duty as legislators to facilitate the implementation of universal suffrage according to the Basic Law. Leung, however, had no intention either of respecting the central government's sincerity or of performing his constitutional duties as is expected of him by Hong Kong residents. He has never taken the wishes of the public seriously. He does not mind disappointing Hong Kong residents as long as he gets media attention.

The seminar in Shenzhen was delayed as a result of his behavior at the border checkpoint but he could not care less. He was deservedly criticized by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR as well as by many Hong Kong residents.

Four months ago he had "co-stars" in another political stunt at Shanghai airport. The lawmakers willingly returned to Hong Kong after Leung was refused entry. They earned the dubious distinction of being "postmen" who only reached the front door! This time, however, he was alone and dismissed by many as a "political clown". What a shame and what a waste!

The author is a veteran current affairs commentator.

(HK Edition 08/23/2014 page5)