Chief Executive issues letter to ‘fellow citizens’

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam yesterday issued a letter addressed to “Fellow citizens,” outlining the reasoning behind her support of Beijing’s latest move to take control of the city’s national security law. In the letter, which was circulated widely by local news organisations and via the government’s website, Lam called Hong Kong “the home we all treasure,” defined by “its Lion Rock spirit” – a reference to shared local core values. In her appeal, Lam lamented that Hong Kong’s community had been traumatised by a year of protests. She outlined how violence by rioters had escalated and said that opposition forces and organisations calling for Hong Kong’s “independence” and “self determination” were blatantly challenging Central authorities as well as Hong Kong’s own government. Lam said that in view of the current political and social situation, it was difficult for Hong Kong’s executive and legislative authorities to complete its own legislation to safeguard national security in the foreseeable future. “Fellow citizens, every country has its own laws to safeguard national security for the long-term security of their country and the stability of people’s lives,” she added. Lam’s letter comes a day after a joint statement was made by leaders from the United Kingdom, the US, Canada and Australia, reiterating their “deep concern” regarding Beijings decision to impose a national security law in Hong Kong. The joint statement charges that direct imposition of the law, by bypassing Hong Kong’s own institutions, would curtail the liberties of Hong Kong citizens, eroding the autonomy and system which had made Hong Kong prosperous.