Letters | Hong Kong national security law: Carrie Lam shows a mindset frozen in feudal past

Your editorial of June 23 (“Release draft of the national security law for meaningful debate”) was interesting, but l believe the mindset of the chief executive is “frozen” in a feudal social setting.

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has appealed to the public to support the new national security law as it is targeted only at a small minority. She again told the public they can put their hearts at ease. Isn’t it ironic that European Union and Group of Seven ministers have expressed serious concerns over the new legislation? Do you think their concerns are groundless? Is it not fair for the general public to read the draft first before we show our support?

Actually, the chief executive’s handling of the new legislation is like an arranged marriage in ancient China. The parents ask their son to nod his head in agreement, but he is denied the right to see his would-be bride. This happens in 21st century Hong Kong, the one that always claims to be “Asia’s World City”.

As a layman, l believe l should be enlightened by Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah on a number of blind spots. My first question is, how can two different jurisdictions exist in harmony without obvious conflicts? The justice secretary told her audience there is no big difference in legal proceedings with regard to prosecution and the appointment of the judges. If that is the case, why do we need the new legislation at all?