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| Southeast Asia |
| Tung backs down on controversial Hong Kong law |
| 2003-07-06 |
| Giving in to public pressure, he makes concessions on three key provisions of proposed national security law By Mary Kwang BOWING to massive public pressure, Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa yesterday backed down on three of the most controversial provisions of a proposed national security law. The decision came after more than half a million people took to the streets last week in protest against the anti-sedition law and the Hong Kong administration, posing the biggest political challenge so far to Mr Tung's stewardship of the territory. Surrounded by members of his Cabinet and top aides, Mr Tung announced at a news conference yesterday that he would: Withdraw police powers to carry out searches and seizures without a warrant Allow journalists to cite public interest as a defence for publishing classified information, and Delete a provision that would lead to groups that have been outlawed on the mainland getting the same treatment in Hong Kong But the concessions failed to appease critics who continued to demand that the government defer, or shelve entirely, this Wednesday's final debate on the legislation. Mr Edward Chan, chairman of the Bar Association, said the draft legislation was still flawed and the administration's hasty and piecemeal approach would only fuel more suspicions about the intent behind the law. A national security law is required under Article 23 of Hong Kong's Constitution. Critics say they fear the authorities are framing the law in such a way that it will kill off existing civil rights. Said Mr Chan : 'The impression is that the government is slowly restricting freedoms. Which sections it can go ahead on, it will do so. Where the people kick up a fuss, the government hands out candy to keep them, and it will take the next step when opportune.' Pretty astute observation Both the Catholic and Protestant churches have also called for more public consultation. At the press conference yesterday, Mr Tung noted that the issue was already highly politicised and delaying it would split Hong Kong society further. Stressing that the Article 23 law was needed to safeguard China's national security, he said: 'If the country does well, Hong Kong will do better. It's vital for us to consider the mainland's interests. 'The Chinese market is the biggest in the world, with great potential,' he said, rattling off statistics to emphasise Hong Kong's heavy economic dependence on the mainland. China yesterday signalled its support for Mr Tung's moves to water down the bill, but said the legislation should now be passed. It remains uncertain how voting will go on Wednesday. At present, 23 are firmly opposed and 17 for the measure in the 60-member legislature. At least 10 independent legislators remain undecided. Tension is high as both supporters and opponents of the law plan to hold rallies around the Legislative Council building on the day of the vote. China won't stand for freedom in HK, or Taiwan - they threaten the Old Guys In Power™ too much. By threatening, clamping down, they will ineveitably harm china's trade/business interests.... |
| Posted by:Frank G |