Officials Ask Legco Hopefuls To 'clarify' Views

At least nine pro-democracy figures who intend to stand in September's Legco elections say they've been asked by election officials to clarify their political views – a step they fear is a precursor to banning their candidacies.

Would-be candidates in several constituencies reported receiving letters on Saturday from returning officers asking specific questions about their opinions on various subjects.

In New Territories East, for example, activist Ventus Lau said the letter asked whether he still advocated Hong Kong Independence.

It also asked for his views on the imposition of sanctions by the United States and other countries, and on the new national security law.

Four of those who received a letter are members of the Civic Party.

Among them, party leader and New Territories East hopeful Alvin Yeung, was asked whether he would continue to call for international sanctions.

The returning officer said Yeung’s calls for international sanctions were a tactic to use foreign governments to put pressure on the SAR administration, and an invitation for other countries to interfere with Hong Kong’s internal affairs.

He was asked to explain how that, and the pro-democracy camp's pledge to veto future budgets if they gain a majority, would fit with their obligation to uphold the Basic law, and swear allegiance to the SAR.

At a press conference held on Saturday evening, the party’s chairman, Alan Leong said the letters arrived just past noon, and the recipients were asked to submit their response on Sunday before noon.

Leong said the government is using administrative means to carry out political screening.

“The time prescribed for our response is really totally unacceptable. It is unreasonable to the extent that it is oppressive,” he said.

“We just wrote to the respective returning officers making our complaint and demainding an extension of time for response until 6 pm Monday,” he added.

Others who were asked to clarify their views include activist Gwyneth Ho, former Demosisto member Tiffany Yuen, Civic Party’s Tat Cheng and Kwok Ka-ki, current district councilor Fergus Leung, as well as legal sector incumbent Dennis Kwok and account sector incumbent Kenneth Leung.

The pan-democratic camp has expressed worries that the newly enacted national security law, which criminalises acts of subversion, separatism, terrorist activities and collusion with foreign forces, will be used to bar candidates from future elections.

The Legco poll takes place on September 6.