Common law spurned
The interpretation of the Basic Law has shaken the very roots of the rule of law in Hong Kong.
Deputy secretary-general of the Standing Committee Qiao Xiaoyang said Hong Kong people are used to interpreting the Basic Law, inappropriately, 'according to the practice of the common law'. This is more disturbing than the stipulation that Beijing has the first and last word on how we choose our leaders. If the Basic Law is the constitution of Hong Kong, how else are we going to understand it but the way we have always known?
The interpretation is like two slaps on our face. We have no say in political reform, and Beijing will not respect unconditionally the common law.
If Mr Qiao does not clarify this, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, who welcomed the interpretation, should explain the implication of his remark.
WU SHUN-PING, Shatin
