Benny Tai Row Not Aimed At Article 23: Albert Ho

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2018-04-04 HKT 14:24

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  • Albert Ho (right) says China needs a Hong Kong where freedom is part of the rule of law. Photo: RTHK

    Albert Ho (right) says China needs a Hong Kong where freedom is part of the rule of law. Photo: RTHK

A former Democratic Party chairman, Albert Ho, said on Wednesday that he doesn't think recent criticism of legal scholar Benny Tai is intended to pave the way for stricter national security legislation.

Tai has faced condemnation from the Hong Kong and Central governments, after he spoke about the hypothetical possibility of Hong Kong becoming independent, should China eventually become democratic.

But Ho said he sees no signs that the SAR government is rushing to pass anti-subversion laws.

Speaking after appearing in an online interview with another former Democratic Party chief Emily Lau, Ho said Beijing also understands that draconian Article 23 legislation would do little good for the mainland.

"It [Hong Kong] would not be able to serve the very variable function it has been, not only for Hong Kong people, but China," Ho said.

"Freedom is a part and parcel of Hong Kong. Freedom is a part and parcel of the rule of law. And all these are necessary conditions for the proper functioning of an international financial centre, which China needs," he said.

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