SCMP: Article 23: Will proposed law threaten free speech?

09/28/2002 South China Morning Post (Page 13)

Tung taking another step towards fewer civil liberties

On Tuesday, with paternalistic rhetoric, Tung Chee-hwa said that he would protect human rights and civil liberties.

How can we trust what he says? He is the very same person who has already managed to seriously damage the independence of the Hong Kong judiciary with the infamous reinterpretation (June 1999). Is not democracy the most important of civil liberties? Why is Mr Tung avoiding a serious debate on democracy and why does the government oppose a speedier pace towards democracy, as desired by many people in the community? Why are we considered to be still too immature for such a political system?

Instead of legislating in favour of democracy, favoured by so many in Hong Kong, Mr Tung and his administration, have decided to legislate on Article 23, giving, in fact, even more power to the government and to the police.

Where in Hong Kong are all those individuals instigating treason, secession and subversion? People ask for democracy and in turn are met with a crackdown on dissension. After the "reinterpretation", this will be another step towards fewer civil liberties.

At least spare us the rhetoric on human rights and civil liberties as the "pillars of Hong Kong success", and you as their defender, Mr Tung.

GIANNI CRIVELLER