A bill on the right of abode should be submitted to the Legislative Council immediately to avoid public confusion, lawmakers have urged.
Secretary for Security Peter Lai Hing-ling was chided in yesterday's Legco security panel meeting for saying the Government might not begin the legislative process for the bill before July 1 because of objections from China.
'We are worried that more people would be affected if China abolished the law after July 1 . . . we have to consider this possibility and the possible damage done,' Mr Lai said.
He was criticised for turning a blind eye and told to submit the bill to the Legislative Council immediately.
Emily Lau Wai-hing of The Frontier said: 'What is the use of the 800,000 booklets and the hotlines if there is no legislation? 'What people need to have is a clear and confirmed instruction. But what the Government is doing will only lead to confusion because what is mentioned in the booklet may not be law for the SAR government.' Backed by Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee, the legal representative, Ms Lau called on the Government to submit the bill quickly.
'The Crimes (Amendment) Bill No 2 also fails to reach agreement with China but the Government is still tabling it to us. Why not this one?' she said.