Bad time for renewed push for Article 23
Despite accusations by Beijing against separatist groups for plotting the Mongkok riot, the chance of an early enactment of a national security law in Hong Kong remains slim.
Former Central Policy Unit head Lau Siu-kai is no doubt not the only one who argues the sooner Article 23 under the Basic Law is enacted, the better it would be for the city in the wake of the riot. But with the city becoming more polarised and mainland-Hong Kong relations further strained by the violent clash, any hasty attempt to resume legislative work on Article 23 risks creating more hatred and anger in the society.
Like the violence in Mongkok last week, the consequences of another Article 23 political storm will be unpredictable and could be profoundly disastrous to Hong Kong and the nation. Contrary to what Professor Lau has observed, it is bad time now for putting the national security bill back on the political agenda.
Full article: http://www.vohk.hk/2016/02/15/bad-time-for-renewed-push-for-article-23/
By Chris Yeung
