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A few thoughts after attending the session on “Improving the electoral system”

This morning, I attended a session on the National People's Congress (NPC)'s decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong SAR, organised by the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC, the Basic Law Committee, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR. I would like to share a few thoughts.

(1) The Central People's Government has shown its staunch support and care towards Hong Kong, and is determined in the full and faithful implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”. For two consecutive years, efforts have been made by the NPC, as the highest national legislative branch, on Hong Kong affairs, including the enactment of the Hong Kong national security law last year and the passage of the decision of improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong SAR lately.

(2) Hong Kong will be benefited from the Hong Kong national security law and the improvement of the electoral system, which can ensure the long term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and also the thorough implementation of the principles of “One Country, Two Systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a “high degree of autonomy”. Hong Kong has been undergoing social turmoil over the past few years, from the illegal Occupy Central Movement to violent acts and “burning-together” tactics. Some even lobbied foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and our Country. Things have been going too far. Such actions not only led to non-functioning of our society, but also endangered the security of Hong Kong and our Country, and undermined the interests of all people . There is an imminent need for the Central People's Government to tackle the issue.

(3) The NPC's passage of the abovementioned decision, together with the upcoming amendment of the law, will ensure the implementation of the basic principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” and provide the solid and effective support at the legal and system level. By improving the electoral system, the governance of HKSAR Government could be more effective, and the Government would have enhanced capability and more space to tackle deep-seated social problems, with a view to improving people's livelihoods and promoting the sustainable social and economic development of Hong Kong.

(4) At the session today, attendees expressed different views on matters relating to law amendment. This is common in an open and diverse society like Hong Kong. Yet, taking into account the social unrest happened in Hong Kong over the past few years, as well as the drastic changes in the international political environment, we need a holistic mindset and solidarity to strive ahead for our target with perseverance. This is the duty for those taking part in governance. As for the different views on details, they can surely be resolved through discussions and deliberations.

(5) The recent criticisms made by the UK, US and some western countries on the NPC's decision and attacks on the “One Country, Two Systems” principle are no surprise to us. China's socialist market economy system and Hong Kong's success under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle are deemed to be incompatible with the ideology of the Western world. Given the extraordinary development of the Country over the past few decades and Hong Kong's development experience, we should have confidence in our own institutional strengths. We need to have solidarity to strive ahead with the NPC's decision faithfully and fearlessly. We should promote the constructive interaction between the executive branch and the legislative branch to enhance our governance capability, improve people's quality of living and make Hong Kong a better place for all.

March 15, 2021