Basic Law co-author calls for Article 23 white bill
Pressure mounted on the government to carry out another round of public consultation on the draft Article 23 legislation yesterday after an architect of the Basic Law called for a white bill.
Albert Chen Hung-yee, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong and a member of the Basic Law Committee, suggested the government temporarily withdraw the blue bill and issue a white bill to better consult the public.
Professor Chen also urged Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa to 'overcome his fears of the pro-democracy camp' and invite its moderates into his cabinet to help the government hear the voice of the people.
His appeal came after a coalition of 22 pro-democracy lawmakers and the Article 23 Concern Group, which is made up of prominent academics and lawyers, called for another round of public consultation on the controversial national security bill.
Although the government was forced to delay the vote on the bill and introduced last-minute concessions on the three most contentious clauses of the bill following the 500,000-strong protest on July 1, lawmakers have yet to make an announcement on the way forward.
The Legco bills committee, meanwhile, will meet on July 23 to discuss the issue at the request of independent lawmakers Audrey Eu Yuet-mee and Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee.
Speaking on RTHK yesterday, Professor Chen suggested the white bill be comprised of the blue bill issued in February and the subsequent amendments agreed by the government.
A booklet providing a detailed introduction of the draft laws, accompanied by hypothetical case studies on its operation, should be published to answer the public's concerns, he said.
'There are two goals in issuing the white bill. First is to promote Article 23 legislation to the public, so as to let them have a thorough understanding of its content.
'Secondly, the government can communicate with different concerned groups and sectors ... to reach a consensus,' he said.
The process of consultation through the white bill, he said, could last up to three months before a blue bill is given to Legco. This way, the national security bill could be passed with public approval next spring, he said.
The government has refused to issue a white bill - which would make the precise wording of the proposed laws against treason, subversion, sedition and secession, available for public consultation - despite repeated demands from legal, professional and religious groups.
A blue bill was published in February and presented directly to Legco.
Democratic Party legislator James To Kun-sun said he agreed with Professor Chen's suggestion, but added that the white bill should include amendments proposed by all lawmakers.
Independent legislator Ms Eu, a member of the Article 23 Concern Group, said the future consultation paper on the draft bill should include all the amendments proposed by lawmakers and the government.
It should have the full text of the ordinances that need to be amended under the security laws, she said.
However, Chan Kam-lam, of the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong, said another round of consultation on the whole bill was a waste of time, though he agreed that consultation could be conducted on the latest government amendments.
