Hong Kong is going through a traumatic transition

After unexpectedly getting 66,000 votes at the February 28 Legislative Council by-election, 24-year-old Edward Leung Tin-kei, a member of the Hong Kong Indigenous pro-independence radical group, started to create political waves by publicly airing his pro-independence aspirations.

During March, another group comprising mostly university students and graduates formed the Hong Kong National Party led by Chan Ho-tin, with the declared aim of building a Hong Kong Republic and abolishing the Basic Law.

The group’s application for official registration with the Companies Registry has so far not been approved.

On March 29, the Department of Justice, in its statement regarding this application, cited the Basic Law and said Hong Kong was an inalienable part of China.

“Any suggestion that Hong Kong should be independent or any movement to advocate such independence would not be consistent with the legal status of Hong Kong…or the Basic Law. Nor would such suggestion or movement be conducive to the overall interests of [Hong Kong].

“As in all cases where Basic Law issues or potential criminal liabilities may arise, the Department of Justice will maintain close liaison with the relevant law enforcement agencies, and will take such action as may be necessary.”

The Hong Kong Civic Association recognises this statement conforms to the rule of law in Hong Kong. All political parties or groups of a political nature applying for registration under the Companies Ordinance should therefore be in accordance with the relative conditions and procedures as required by the government.

Hong Kong this year is going through a traumatic transition period where all of us who are committed to the city’s continued development and prosperity should in the Lion Rock spirit be united together to:

● Work towards reviving the current weak economy and gear up to meet the new challenges and opportunities that should offer more quality jobs for our young people;

● Work closely with district councils, kaifong associations and other NGOs to expedite the government’s public housing programmes and provide better education, welfare, poverty alleviation, health care and other initiatives to improve the living standards of our people; and,

● Strengthen Hong Kong’s role as China’s preeminent global city of finance, logistics, trading and super connectivity.

Hilton Cheong-Leen, life president, Frederick Lynn, chairman, Hong Kong Civic Association