Hong Kong government working to defuse extradition bill crisis, ‘considering pause rather than withdrawal’
- Dramatic developments as divisions emerge in Executive Council, with some calling for more time and further discussion on the bill
- Exco convenor Bernard Chan says it will be impossible to rush amended legislation through
The Hong Kong government is working to defuse the crisis over its extradition bill by considering options including a pause, rather than a withdrawal, sources have told the Post.
But while several heavyweight advisers to the city’s leader are calling for more time for further discussion of the bill, divisions have emerged within the Executive Council, with others suggesting the government should continue to fast track it through the legislature.
Exco convenor Bernard Chan said it would be impossible to rush the amended legislation through, while Dr Lam Ching-choi and Fanny Law Fan Chiu-fun have both advocated taking a step back.
Ronny Tong Ka-wah said he would not object to deferral and called for both sides to start a dialogue and find a middle-ground solution, while his colleague Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee insisted the government should push ahead with the bill.
They were among a chorus of voices on Friday advising Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, just two days after she insisted there would be no changes to the government’s proposals.
“I think it is impossible to discuss [the bill] under such confrontation. It would be very difficult,” Chan said. “At the very least we should not escalate the antagonism.”