Citizens and officials have duty to question mainland's actions

In regard to Hong Kong resident Lai Kwong-keung who was caught smuggling Bibles into the mainland recently, it's true that the United States has strong Christian interests. However, the US stance was based on its concern for a disproportionate penalty: a life-ending sentence for the crime of Bible smuggling (though Lai eventually received a two-year sentence for a lesser charge). If the possibility of a death sentence for smuggling Bibles does not seem a tad harsh to Secretary for Security Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, she would be much better suited for a high-level position in the mainland's notorious Public Security Bureau as opposed to representing Hong Kong.

Leadership calls for the use of conscience to determine appropriate action in challenging situations. This is precisely where Ms Ip's conduct has often been unacceptable. She echoes whatever decision is made by whatever authority. She then calls on China's judicial system to be respected. A judicial system must deserve respect before it is rendered. What has the mainland's judicial system done other than constantly confuse the public with the most erratic and arbitray decisions?

Even its constitution is a gigantic paradox. For example, article 35: 'Citizens of the People's Republic of China enjoy freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of procession, and of demonstration.' Seems clear enough. What's missing, as most people know, is that the Communist Party decides what speech, what purpose of assembly, association with whom, and so.

However, with regard to a judicial system and rights of expression, and based on the concept of 'two systems', Hong Kong should remain vastly opposed to the mainland's perspective. Calls for compliance with such an authority belong to the history of tyranny. Today's citizens have the responsibility to comply with just laws and to question decisions made by authority. The greatest human tragedies and genocides stem from the cowering acceptance of the masses.

PETER DAIGNAULT

Mid-Levels