HK youths advised to increase awareness of law and sovereignty

The proposed ban on the Hong Kong National Party underscored the need for young people to strengthen their legal awareness and have a clear understanding that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China, youth development leaders said.

The call comes a day after Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu was advised by an assistant societies officer to prohibit operation of the pro-independence HKNP in accordance with the Societies Ordinance.

The HKNP, founded in 2016, has long targeted young people and students.

Disagreeing with the HKNP, Chan Cheuk-hay, president and principal of the Hong Kong College of Technology, said the proposed ban is good for Hong Kong people, especially the younger generation.

The ban will reinforce young people’s concept of rule of law and let them know more about the city’s constitutional status, Chan said.

The incident could help youngsters to distinguish between right and wrong, as well as to avoid crossing the red line of the law, Chan said.

Also supporting the police societies officer’s recommendation is Dorothy Tse Hiuhung. Tse is a member of the city’s Youth Development Commission and chairwoman of Hong Kong Youth Enlightenment. She said the police move had exposed illusions by the separatists that they could spread their political agenda by setting up societies in Hong Kong.

Tse warned young people not to challenge the rule of law.

HKNP members targeted local young people, especially students, by distributing pro-independence flyers near secondary-school campuses and organizing rallies to attract youngsters.

More than 100 students from over 80 schools have attended an activity organized by the HKNP, according to a post on the HKNP’s social media account.

Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said students should not spend time discussing “Hong Kong independence” since the topic itself is against the law.

Yeung said if students have questions on the issue, school authorities and teachers have a responsibility to explain that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China based on history and the nation’s Constitution. They should let the students know advocating “independence” in Hong Kong is not feasible.

The security chief said he will not make the final decision before Aug 7, or when the group gives him a written reply explaining why the ban is unnecessary.

Under Section 8 of the Societies Ordinance, the societies officer may recommend the secretary for security order prohibition of an organization’s operation if he reasonably believes it is necessary in the interests of national security, public safety, public order or the protection of rights and freedoms of others.

Students should not spend time discussing ‘Hong Kong independence’ since the topic itself is against the law.” Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, secretary for education