In July 2020 the ‘Hong Kong National Security Bill’ was passed in China which prompted many countries’ belief that Hong Kong people would soon lose their human right and freedom. Over the past few years over 300,000 migrated out of Hong Kong in this connection where the Australian government also offered a ‘shelter plan’ for them to come over. At the same time over a thousand of Hong Kong residents were prosecuted on various counts and many already lost their freedom for 2-3 years ahead of any sentence.
People can have different political interpretation of the situation but facts are undeniably as such.
It is true now in Hong Kong there is no more media criticizing the government nor is there any public opinion in opposition. People now staying in Hong Kong have their own reason of not willing or not able to leave a place where their freedom of life has been limited. Outsiders are not in a position to agree or disagree with these people’s decision to stay put or not.
The Hong Kong Legislative Council is now speeding up on the passing of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance under Article 23 of the Basic Laws, further restricting on the speech and act of Hong Kong people. Amongst it is a concern where the acts of Hong Kong citizens who possess foreign nationality would be subject to the new legislation with a jurisdiction in foreign territories. So in theory Hong Kong people who have migrated to Australia could be prosecuted on return to Hong Kong for their acts of exercising their freedom of speech in this country.
Say for articles on Hong Kong living or public policies in this publication, if in against of the Hong Kong government could be seen as violation of this new legislation. The writers, as immigrants from Hong Kong, would bear a risk on returning there.
This is a warning signal for the 100,000+ Hong Kong immigrants in here. This legislation poses a threat to their freedom here and the Australian government has an obligation to offer them cover. At least Australian government should clarify whether giving up of permanent residence right in Hong Kong will allow them to be exempted from the legislation. There is a risk for any HongKonger returning from overseas afterwards.
Obviously more HongKongers would want to leave and would Australia or other countries be willing to offer them shelter? Are we here prepared to offer them some support? Many of our readers came from Hong Kong and would you be willing to do something for this city where you were born, grown up, love and care?
To me, it is more important and meaningful if we can continue our faith of publishing while making just and fair comments on matters around us in the world including Hong Kong.
Mr. Raymond Chow
The Publisher of Sameway Magazine