Law Chi-kwong Warns Of Further Job Losses

The Labour chief, Law Chi-kwong, has warned that the jobless rate will almost certainly continue to rise because of the pandemic, and sidestepped questions about whether the planned security law might make things worse.

The unemployment rate now stands at a ten-year-high of 5.2 percent, although Law said on Saturday that he hopes the government's wage subsidy scheme will help to save jobs.

Beijing intends to draw up a law to "prevent, stop and punish" any acts of secession, subversion or terrorism activities in Hong Kong that threaten national security, with mainland agencies free to set up bases in the SAR "when needed".

A resolution to be voted on by NPC delegates would also authorise the NPC Standing Committee to legislate against intervention by foreign forces in Hong Kong affairs, with the legislation to be added into Annex 3 of the Basic Law.

Law declined to say how the law would hit the SAR, saying it was too early.

"We have to wait to see what are the details of the provisions and the process and the concerns of the people of Hong Kong and how they are addressed," he said, speaking after taking part in a radio programme.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has called for urgent clarification of what Beijing plans with its security law, warning that the move could jeopardise business prospects, and strike fear into foreign residents of the SAR. It said it could also make it more difficult to attract talent.