'Kids Being Misled In Meaningless Referendum Drive'

The government on Sunday strongly condemned plans by a coalition of unions and a students’ group to hold a ‘referendum’ next week for a general strike against a planned national security law, accusing organisers of inciting pupils into participating in a "meaningless" vote.

Around two dozen unions representing a variety of sectors from medicine to catering announced on Saturday that they would consider ‘further action’ if over 60 percent of around 60,000 expected voters back a general strike in a vote scheduled for June 14.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the government said the vote has no legal basis, as there is no mechanism for a referendum in the Basic Law.

A government spokesman said the administration is particular concerned that school pupils were being "misled and incited" to take part in a "meaningless" vote.

"The whole society should draw the line at joining these activities”, the spokesman said.

“Parents and teachers should protect our next generation and advise them not to take part. We should join hands to prevent politics and fallacy from invading the campuses.”

The spokesman added that "the SAR government firmly supports and cooperates fully with the decision of the National People Congress [to enact a national security law in Hong Kong]. Anyone or any organisation using extreme means to intimidate the government will not succeed."

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung echoed these concerns in his latest blog post, criticising people who have been trying to mobilise children into sign an online petition against the national security legislation.

He said it was clear pupils were being used to achieve political goals.