Letter from NSW Australian Falun Dafa Association to Security Bureau against Article 23

(Clearwisdom.net)

Security Bureau
(Attn: AS (F)2, F Division)
6th Floor, East Wing,
Central Government Offices
Lower Albert Road
Central Hong Kong

Fax No: (852) 2521 2848

20 December 2002

Honorable Members, Hong Kong SAR Government:

I write on behalf of the Falun Dafa Association of NSW, Australia with regard to the proposed Article 23 of the Basic Law.

We ask that you please be alert to the potential for abuse in this proposed legislation where the totalitarian regime of the mainland can instill fear into the people of Hong Kong when anyone who criticizes the central government could be prosecuted for 'treason' and 'sedition'.

Please listen to the many voices of reason and concern from within the Hong Kong business, banking, media, education and religious communities and from the various overseas government missions, representatives and human rights groups. What are they concerned about? They are concerned for the people of Hong Kong. They are concerned that some 6 million people may lose their fundamental rights of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and all the ramifications that has for the whole society and economy of Hong Kong.

For those of us who practice Falun Dafa, we look to the principles of Zhen, Shan, Ren -Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance for guidance - and we look within our own hearts and are naturally concerned for the people of Hong Kong. Also we do not wish to see any one suffer as the Falun Gong practitioners in mainland China are now suffering because they peacefully and steadfastly affirm their basic human right - the right to freedom of belief. To torture and kill peaceful people who do not strike back, who only ask to meditate and follow goodness, who respond wth compassion and tolerance to such horrendous brutality - is an attack on our very humanity, the essence of what defines us as human beings.

The extension of this persecution from the mainland into Hong Kong is a very real possibility. While it is legal to practice Falun Gong in Hong Kong at the moment it is a chilling thought that the brutal treatment meted out on the mainland could soon be enacted in the SAR under Article 23 legislation. All that is required is for the mainland government to proscribe Falun Gong (or even the Catholic Church) as a 'threat to national security' or involved in the 'theft of state secrets'.

While we understand that the SAR government is obligated to enact a form of legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the form this legislation takes is crucial to the form of human society and the people under your jurisdiction. You are responsible for the people of the SAR. Should Hong Kong stand as a beacon of light and hope for all of China C or as the last outpost to finally succumb to the current darkness of mainland control.

We are aware of assurances by the Hong Kong government that the full range of human rights provided for under the Basic Law and obligations under international human rights covenants would continue to be protected. But the question must be - How will you achieve that?

Many commentators have noted that the proposed legislation is basically a 'law of convenience' for the mainland regime to further insulate itself from change and extend its control over Hong Kong. It would mean an end to "one country two systems" and be a serious abrogation of responsibility to the people of Hong Kong and the freedoms and human rights they currently enjoy.

Therefore, we urge the Hong Kong SAR government to implement a rational process in this matter and respect the grave consequences of the legislation proposed by :

• Extending the period of consultation on the draft proposals, due to end December 24 as this legislation will have lasting and profound implications;
• Delaying the introduction of the Blue Bill which would contain the actual legislation on Article 23 but which prohibits public consultation on the formation of the legislation;
• Issuing a White Bill in which the legislation would be available for public discussion before formulation and enactment.

To put the self interest of a few, be it a king of ancient times or a current totalitarian government, above the interests of the many, the good people, is to court disaster for the nation. This has been proven through Chinese history and wisely elucidated by Kong-Tze and Meng-Tze.

We truly hope you can find in your hearts the essence of wisdom found in the great traditions of China and support the just and righteous way forward that will benefit all the people of Hong Kong and ultimately, all the people of China.

Yours Sincerely

John Deller
Chairman Falun Dafa Association NSW Australia