Opinion | Hong Kong’s new extradition law will pass but the fight for the city’s autonomy is not lost

It’s only a matter of time before the amendment bill overcomes all opposition to become law. Despite the setback, the pan-democrats should ride on the expected voter backlash to wrest veto power from pro-Beijing lawmakers in the next elections

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Pro-democracy lawmaker Wu Chi-wai (centre, right) talks to pro-Beijing lawmaker Abraham Razack at a meeting last Saturday that descended into chaos at the Legislative Council. Photo: AP

Published: 7:00am, 17 May 2019Updated: 7:00am, 17 May 2019

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor's proposal to amend Hong Kong’s extradition law that would enable fugitives to be handed over to mainland authorities has caused a huge controversy in society. The situation is getting out of hand as Lam insists on sticking to her decision and turning a blind eye to public outrage.

The legislative process is at a deadlock, and in the heated row between pro-establishment lawmakers – who are determined to push through the bill – and the pan-democrats – who are pulling out all the stops to block it – it is disappointing to see the secretariat of the Legislative Council abandon its long-standing principle of political neutrality.

By playing a role to unseat a Democratic lawmaker from presiding over the panel vetting the bill, Legco secretary general Kenneth Chen Wei-on has undermined Hong Kong’s core values, which are the cornerstone of our prosperous economy and social stability.

The government is shamelessly trying to push through the bill with the help of the pro-establishment lawmakers. Back in the old days, pro-establishment members elected through the functional constituencies represented the voices of their respective industries. Even though they were conservative, they would still safeguard the benefits of the capitalist class.

Pro-establishment members nowadays care only to butter up the government and obey Beijing’s orders. In this case, they’ve chosen to ignore the elephant in the room, which is that the business sector would bear the brunt if the amendments are passed.

With support from the pro-establishment camp, it is only a matter of time before the bill is passed.