【明報專訊】Recent remarks made by Executive Council convenor Ip Lau Suk-yee on Fanling Golf Course and the double stamp duty have again brought the two issues under the spotlight. Her comment that "the government could consider (waiving the double stamp duty for mainlanders buying Hong Kong properties)" triggered a surge in property stocks yesterday (9 August). She later clarified that it was only an opinion of her New People's Party, and the government also stressed that there had been no related discussion. However, Ip is a high-ranking and powerful figure in the government, and her influence certainly outweighs that of a common opinion leader. The public is inevitably concerned about where the government stands regarding issues raised by her. The issues of Fanling Golf Course and the double stamp duty are both related to land and housing, with huge vested interests involved. Recently there has been a flurry of voices opposing the plan of taking back Fanling Golf Course for housing, imposing pressure on the government from many parties. The situation is worthy of concern.