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.