Hong Kong government has not been told if Beijing will intervene to ban pro-independence lawmakers
As the High Court retires after a hearing on a judicial review to ban the two localists, a mainland expert says National People’s Congress Standing Committee will step in on Monday
The counsel also asked for a speeded-up ruling by the court, which retired after a full-day hearing on a judicial review sought by the government in a bid to ban the duo and hold by-elections for their seats. Even as the case was heard, a mainland Chinese expert who advises Beijing on Hong Kong affairs but who declined to be named, told the Post that the mainland’s top legislative body was expected to deliver its ruling on Monday.
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Benjamin Yu SC said the government “has not requested” the National People’s Congress Standing Committee to exercise its power to interpret the Basic Law.
“The HKSAR government has sought confirmation from the Central People’s Government as to these reported matters,” Yu read. “Up to this moment, the Hong Kong government has not received any confirmation from the [central government].”