CE Allies Wobble Over Extradition Bill Crisis

Chief Executive Carrie Lam is facing more and more pressure over her extradition bill, with pro-government figures now wavering in their support for quickly pushing through the law changes, and some saying it might be best to shelve the controversial plan.

The Carrie Lam administration had repeatedly insisted that the bill should be passed before Legco's summer recess.

But after the large-scale protests in recent days, executive councillor Ronny Tong said on Friday that he is not opposed to the idea of shelving the controversial bill, and the government should consider different options.

Tong said the most pressing issue is for the government to mend the rift in society, adding he doesn’t want to see more violence in the streets, or more protesters and police officers getting injured.

But he said whatever decision the government makes at the end of the day, it will take a toll on the administration's credibility, and he questioned whether shelving the bill would “solve the problem”.

Tong urged the government to hold dialogue with those opposed to the proposed laws, and critics too should consider whether they could make any compromises.

Exco convenor Bernard Chan earlier told RTHK that it is now impossible for Legco to continue discussions over the extradition bill in light of what he said was a "massive conflict” between police and protesters on Wednesday.

Another Exco member Fanny Law said she totally supports the proposed legal amendments and the government should not withdraw the bill.

But she added that the Chief Executive could still allow more time for discussions over the issue and could pledge more human rights safeguards.

Executive Council member and lawmaker Regina Ip conceded that the government is caught in a difficult situation.

“I think the government faces some very tough choices. On the one hand, if Legco proceeds with the second reading debate, it could face large crowds and violent protests. But on the other hand, if the government caves in to violence and external influences, in the long run that would also make Hong Kong ungovernable,” she said.

Pro-government lawmaker Michael Tien, meanwhile, said he doesn’t see why the government needs to rush through the bill now that Taiwan has made clear it would not request the extradition of a Hong Kong suspect for a 2018 murder if the new legislation is passed in its current form.

The SAR government has insisted the amendments are necessary so that Chan Tong-kai can be sent to the island to face trial for the murder of his girlfriend Poon Hiu-wing in Taipei.

Tien said he had written to Chief Executive Carrie Lam asking her to postpone the bill.

“Nothing is ever too late. New situation arises, that would provide the basis for any leader to change their position. There’s nothing wrong with that,” he said.

DAB lawmaker Ann Chiang also said it’s not a bad idea to slightly postpone the bill, and use the extra time to do more publicity work.