York Region (Canada): Bill Upsets Hong Kong Natives

01/09/03

(Clearwisdom.net) Tens of thousands of York Region residents can live in Hong Kong and many are nervous about a law planned for that special region of China.

The anti-subversion bill planned for passage by July is one of the most debated issues among people who emigrated here from Hong Kong, said Tony Wong, a regional councillor for Markham.

"They see this as a major infringement on freedom of speech," he said.

Between Richmond Hill and Markham -- popular destinations for Hong Kong families before Britain surrendered its colony to China in 1997 -- at least 50,000 or 60,000 people still retain Hong Kong resident status, according to Mr. Wong, also president of Hong Kong Link, a human rights watchdog group.

Though they could renounce their Hong Kong status, York residents who have it can work in what became a special administrative region of China. When in Hong Kong, however, they are subject to its laws.

No draft of the anti-subversion bill has been released, but groups such as Hong Kong Link believe people could be persecuted in Hong Kong if they make comments critical of the government there, even if the comments are made in Canada.

If that's true, the law could affect press freedom in the local Chinese-language media and intimidate people in Canada, especially those involved in democratic or human rights causes.

"It's that group of people who might fear they would be indicted or harassed on their return to Hong Kong," said Mr. Wong, adding his group feels an obligation to speak up about such matters.

"I don't want to be intimidated and I don't think it's right."

Mr. Wong said he doesn't doubt the Hong Kong SAR has the right to protect its security, but said some legal minds think its present laws are sufficient.

One section of the bill is said to make organizations illegal in China illegal in Hong Kong.

This includes practitioners of Falun Gong, an exercise and meditation regimen whose adherents in China face [prison terms].

"Immediately they touch the nerves of the people who practice here," said Jeff Li, a Richmond Hill computer consultant and practitioner.

Such an interview with media, he maintained, could be evidence enough to jail him in Hong Kong when the bill is passed.

Although he comes from northeastern China and is already blacklisted by the Chinese government, Mr. Li added friends and business associates originally from Hong Kong are worried.

The bill could also be bad news for members of churches out of favor with the Chinese government, Mr. Li said.

http://www.yorkregion.com/yr/newscentre/markham/story/820601p-975244c.html