SCMP: Jiang's claim of more freedom in SAR a lie, says Emily Lau

Wednesday, May 9, 2001

President Jiang Zemin was accused yesterday of telling lies when he said Hong Kong people enjoyed full freedom. Legislator Emily Lau Wai-hing, of The Frontier, said Mr Jiang's remarks on the SAR's freedom and democratic development were "completely wrong".

"Hong Kong is going backwards when we compare the political development now with that of the colonial era under former governor Chris Patten. The power of our legislature is eroding, too. Mr Jiang is just telling lies with his eyes wide open," she said.

Addressing the opening of the forum last night, Mr Jiang said Hong Kong residents had enjoyed full freedom and more democratic rights than ever before.

He also said Beijing would stand firm in upholding the "one country, two systems" policy, but stopped short of mentioning the Falun Gong dispute during his speech.

Citing protesters who were barred from approaching the forum venue at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, Ms Lau said the freedom to demonstrate in Hong Kong had already been undermined.

"Demonstrations have been under tighter control. Mr Jiang wants Hong Kong people to feel there is freedom but it is simply not the truth."

Democratic Party chairman Martin Lee Chu-ming said freedom and democracy in Hong Kong were deteriorating rather than improving. "Only mainland leaders and Mr Tung [Chee-hwa] will say the 'one country, two systems' policy has been fully implemented. If it was the case, [retired chief secretary for administration] Anson Chan Fang On-sang would not have left.

"[Mr Jiang] would be right to say we have more freedom and democracy only if he compares Hong Kong with the mainland. We have lagged far behind Taiwan in terms of democratic development."

Mr Lee said Beijing might have reached a tacit agreement with the SAR Government in not attacking the Falun Gong during Mr Jiang's visit. Days before the forum, Mr Tung issued a stern warning against the [group], [...]

Professor Lau Siu-kai, of the Chinese University, said Mr Jiang's remarks were only a response to criticism of Hong Kong.

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