National security law: Hong Kong tycoon Michael Kadoorie backs legislation but urges government to secure public approval
- Public fears over the proposed law need to be addressed as a matter of urgency, says Kadoorie, who is from one of Hong Kong’s most powerful families
- He is the latest in string of high-profile business figures to offer backing for Beijing’s plan to target secession, terrorism and other crimes
The energy and hotel tycoon is the latest business heavyweight to try and rally people behind the contentious legislation, which targets secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in Hong Kong’s affairs.
The 78-year-old’s family first arrived in Hong Kong to settle 140 years ago. Forbes has ranked him the 11th wealthiest person in the city, with a US$7.5 billion fortune.
Kadoorie, who is the chairman of electricity utility CLP Holdings, said it was “disheartening to see the lack of harmony” in the city.
“We believe all countries have the sovereign right and obligation to take the necessary measures to ensure national security,” he told the Post.
“Under ‘one country, two systems’, only a stable social and political environment can continue to make Hong Kong an attractive place to invest and do business.”
He added: “We are confident that through the enactment of the appropriate legislation in Hong Kong and with the resilience of the Hong Kong people, the city will continue to grow and prosper for many more decades to come.
During this period of uncertainty, it is crucial for the government to explain to the public the importance of safeguarding national security and gain support of the proposed legislation
“During this period of uncertainty, it is crucial for the government to explain to the public the importance of safeguarding national security and gain support of the proposed legislation.”
Beijing has said it needed to bring forward national security legislation tailor-made for Hong Kong to protect prosperity and stability, but opposition politicians and critics warned it could be used to suppress dissent and erode freedoms.
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Kadoorie, whose empire includes the luxurious Peninsula hotels through his stake in Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, said: “Through the years, Hong Kong has seen many challenges but I have a strong belief in our future.
“My father once said to me that Hong Kong is like a rubber ball: the further it drops the higher it bounces back – a testimony to the resilience, fortitude and ‘can-do’ spirit of the people of Hong Kong.”
In an open letter to the city, he called for all Hongkongers to rebuild trust and create hope for the younger generation rather than leave them in “desperation or despair”.
On Thursday, conglomerate Swire Pacific came out in support of the new law, saying it would “be beneficial for the long-term future of Hong Kong as a world-leading business and financial centre”.
In an attempt to dispel concerns about the law, Li Ka-shing, founder of CK Asset Holdings and CK Hutchison Holdings, last month said: “It is within each and every nation’s sovereign right to address its national security concerns. We need not over-hypothesise it.”
Peter Woo Kwong-ching, former chairman of Wheelock and Company and Wharf Holdings, said the law was needed in the context of what he described as a “new cold war”, adding Hong Kong would lag behind other parts of the world without it.
