Massive protest in HK underscores frustrations with govt
Massive protest in HK underscores frustrations with govt
Dirk Beveridge, Associated Press, Hong Kong, China
A huge protest against an antisubversion bill highlighted deep fears among the public that Hong Kong's freedoms could be eroded, and prodemocracy lawmakers said on Wednesday the government should reconsider it.
"The people had one key message for Hong Kong leader Tung Chee Wah's administration: 'Listen to us,"' political commentator Christine Loh said, a day after about a half-million people turned out to condemn the planned national security law.
The demonstration was Hong Kong's biggest since a million people took to the streets in outrage and fear after China used troops to crush the Tiananmen Square prodemocracy movement in Beijing on June 4, 1989.
Journalists gathered outside Tung's office on early Wednesday to ask about the latest protest, but the highly unpopular Hong Kong chief executive brushed aside their questions.
"It just shows a complete disconnect," Loh said. "He can't just hide in a bunker."
Twenty-one prodemocracy lawmakers, from the 60-member Legislative Council, signed a letter to Tung on Wednesday asking that he stop the bill from moving forward and consult more openly with the public. They also want to meet with Tung, said lawmaker Cyd Ho.
"Now that he's seen the number of people marching in the streets, if he still keeps his head in the sand, the next time there's going to be more," Ho said by telephone.
A Tung spokeswoman had no immediate comment.
Tung issued a statement on Tuesday night saying he was "concerned" about the large number of protesters and reiterating assurances his government will "continue to take active steps to maintain and safeguard rights and freedoms."
But many here worry the antisubversion law will undermine freedoms of speech, press and assembly.
Numerous Hong Kongers see the proposed measure as a betrayal of the "one country, two systems" government system -- allowing Hong Kong to keep some Western-style civil liberties -- promised at the Hong Kong handover from Britain to China on July 1, 1997.
Tung met on Wednesday with key legislative allies. Big business and pro-Beijing interests dominate the Legislative Council and can assure passage of the bill, but they may now need to consider the impact of massive public discontent.
"We are very concerned and very worried that if the government doesn't accurately understand the thinking of 500,000 people, it could pose a larger problem," lawmaker James Tien of the probusiness Labor Party told reporters after meeting with Tung.
Most Hong Kong demonstrations are limited to tiny groups of die-hard activists. But Tuesday's march -- on the sixth anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China -- drew hundreds of thousands of ordinary people. Many had never demonstrated in their lives.
An antisubversion law is required under Article 23 of Hong Kong's so-called mini-constitution. But many believe the proposed law goes too far, with life prison sentences for many crimes against the state.