In fact, except the political elite and a small number of businessmen, professionals and experts, other disadvantaged sectors of society have virtually remained barred from the corridors of power, William Lam, a Hong Kong-based China scholar, said in a recent research report published by Washington-based Jamestown Foundation.
Ms. Lam and Mr. Bourne had done major renovations before in Boston and Hong Kong, but this time they faced the challenge of being unable to speak directly with contractors.