Hong Kong’s leader said Friday he has withdrawn an anti-subversion bill that plunged his administration into crisis, sparked a massive public protest and fueled fears that China was trying to curb freedoms in the former British colony.
Talk about a communications disaster! Which was worse for the CCP, SARS or this odious legislation? Both are shining examples of China’s unique ability to dig its own grave and win the contempt not only of the world but of its own citizens as well.
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By Stephen
I’m glad that they withdrew that anti-subversion law. I heard about that a while ago. It’s just plain insane what they want to do.
September 5, 2003 @ 11:58 pm | Comment
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By Winston
The following is my communique I sent to my fellow activists in HK. It summarizes the present situation here.
I am so happy that the pro-democracy camp has finally taken my proposition (in my July 13 leaflet that I have distributed in the rally) as their unified platform — Article 23 can only be enacted under a democratized government with direct election. No democratic reform means no Article 23. It has shown that my meager campaign can really stir up some public pressure. I consider it effort well spent.
Just hours ago, Tung announced that the government will “withdraw” instead of “defer” the controversial Article 23.
I do not consider this as a “victory” of the People’s Power movement. Tung’s maneuver is to give the pro-Beijing legislators some breathing room, because if the enactment of the Article 23 continues, they will definitely lose miserably in the 2004 election, which will lead to the crippling of the Tung government. Tung’s (and Beijing’s) time-buying tactic is: “rather lose control of a few people (the oppositions) over a limited time (max.16 months) than lose control of the entire government for 4 years”.
When the Tung Government reintroduce the Article 23 under a more favorable political environment (ie: latter half of 2004 after the Legco election in July), I expect the provisions will be much harsher than the paper-tiger now defanged by the pro-democracy legislators.
Our mission now is to neutralize this maneuver and render it useless. Let us continue to remind the society about the “enemies of the people (the Beijing ass-kissers who had brtrayed us)” and make sure that these vermin will not be re-elected in next year’s election.
Therefore, with or without any anti-government issues, next year’s July 1 march will become an important election campaign for the pro-democracy camp. We can make it a memorial to the “July-1-spirit” that has changed Hong Kong, for the better.
If pro-democracy legislators win over 30 of the 60 seats, the people’s voice will truly be represented and Tung (and Beijing) can never get anything done without bargaining hard with the Hong Kong people. It is time that Tung and his cronies kiss the HK people’s collective a$$.
September 6, 2003 @ 2:50 pm | Comment