Opinion | A U-turn on Hong Kong’s extradition law is the only way Carrie Lam can defuse the political crisis

The government’s haste in trying to push through the law recalls the crisis over Article 23 in 2003. Now, as then, public fears are justified and must be addressed before any new laws are passed

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Secretary for Security John Lee walks past lawmakers protesting against the extradition bill at the Legislative Council building on May 22. Photo: Robert Ng

Published: 7:00am, 31 May 2019Updated: 7:00am, 31 May 2019

The turmoil caused by the government’s proposed amendment to Hong Kong’s Fugitive Offenders Ordinance has intensified.

Last week, eight members of the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China wrote to Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, urging the government to withdraw the extradition bill. Meanwhile, following news that local activists Ray Wong Toi-yeung and Alan Li Tung-sing have been granted refugee protection in Germany, the European Union also issued a formal diplomatic protest note to the Hong Kong government over the revision of the law.

The international criticism underlines fear that the amendment could leave individuals – including foreign nationals passing through the city – vulnerable to being sent to the mainland, where fair trials are not guaranteed. It would erode Hong Kong's rule of law and “one country, two systems”.

Despite widespread opposition, the Hong Kong government is not backing down. It already has the full support of the leaders in Beijing, and now appears to be winning over the business sector as well. Business leaders from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce met the security minister on Monday to seek assurances on the bill. If their remaining concerns were addressed, it is very likely that the bill will be passed before the Legislative Council recess in July.

If Lam chooses to repeatedly ignore public opinion, it will only drive more Hongkongers onto the streets in protest. In a worst-case scenario should the bill be passed, multinationals and wealthy individuals could withdraw their capital from the city and talented people might leave.

Hong Kong Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu's attempt to lobby the public appears to have failed. When he was questioned about the likelihood of extraditing Hongkongers suspected of committing a crime related to national security, Lee explained that anyone who violated Hong Kong law would face trial only in Hong Kong. They would not be extradited to the mainland.