Debate backlash grows in Hong Kong
Govt under pressure to deal with Tang’s ‘riot cops’ claim
HONG KONG: The administration is being pressured to address chief executive candidate Henry Tang’s claim that rival Leung Chun-ying wanted riot police to be used against opponents of a national security draft law.
During “high-level” meetings in 2003, Leung called for tough action in support of the anti-subversion legislation drafted in line with Article 23 of the Basic Law – including the use of tear gas – Tang alleged during Friday’s chief executive candidates’ debate.
It’s assumed Tang meant talk in the Executive Council – Leung was its convener from 1999 until he quit to run for chief executive.
Former security secretary Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee and one-time civil service boss Joseph Wong Wing-ping have weighed in heavily on the issue.
Both called yesterday for the administration to explain its stance on the disclosure of confidential matters in exco meetings relating to the anti-subversion legislation, saying Tang should be condemned for breaching confidentiality.
And the Labour Party wants a motion at the Legislative Council tomorrow that demands the release of details of the meetings to which Tang referred.
Party lawmaker Cyd Ho Sau-lan said that “citizens have the right to know the truth on whether Leung truly expressed views on dispatching anti-riot police against protesters in July 2003 since the massive rally staged against Article 23 ... was absolutely peaceful”. — The Standard