Extradition Debate Is Now Impossible: Bernard Chan

Executive Council convenor Bernard Chan said on Friday that it is now impossible for Legco to continue discussions over the government's extradition bill in light of what he called the “massive conflict” between police and protesters two days ago.

Chan said the government must consider what to do next, such as whether it needs to provide more explanations or consultations on the bill, so that confrontations do not worsen.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, Chan admitted that he had underestimated the reaction of the business sector to the bill.

He added that perhaps the government had not given sufficient explanations about the proposed legal amendments, and that this had sparked fear.

When asked whether he should be held accountable for wrong judgements being made, he said that was for the Chief Executive to decide.

Chan added that the bill should not be allowed to bring Legco to a halt, because lawmakers have to deal with other issues like housing matters.

But asked whether the government should insist on pushing the bill through during this legislative year, Chan said it depends on whether people are confident it can be passed.

The Legislative Council has postponed debate on the bill twice now, after tens of thousands of protesters besieged the Legco complex and the government's headquarters in Tamar on Wednesday.