LettersWith extradition bill, Carrie Lam is risking everything Hong Kong has achieved so far

The proposal to amend Hong Kong law to allow fugitive transfers to mainland China undermines the city’s reputation for the rule of law upon which its future as a business and financial centre hinges

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Activists protest against the government’s proposed changes to Hong Kong’s extradition law outside the Legislative Council Complex in Tamar on May 17. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 1:00pm, 25 May 2019Updated: 1:00pm, 25 May 2019

Kofi Annan once said, “Often we mistake stability, in terms of security and economic activity, to mean a country is doing well. We forget the third and important pillar: rule of law and respect for human rights.”

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor would do well to take note of this quote because, by blindly pursuing changes to the extradition laws, she may set Hong Kong on an irreversible path to destruction (“Controversial fugitive bill to be fast-tracked past Legco scrutiny panel”, May 20).

A few points to note here:

1. Hongkongers value the freedom of speech and the rule of law more than anything else.

2. The trust in Hong Kong’s long-standing protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic values is one of the main reasons the city is a favoured investment destination for foreign nations or companies.

3. Hong Kong’s governance is already under scrutiny from the US and European governments after its decision to not renew the work visa of Victor Mallet, former Asia news editor at the Financial Times.