'Xia Baolong Doesn't Mean To Ban Marches In HK'

A former member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Tam Yiu-chung, on Monday said Beijing official Xia Baolong did not mean marches would be banned in Hong Kong when he said last week that such processions are not the only way for people to express their views.

Xia, the head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, made the remark in a speech on Saturday marking National Security Education Day as part of his six-day trip to the SAR.

On an RTHK programme, Tam said Xia was giving Hong Kong people a "warm reminder".

"He didn't say people can't take part in marches, that's not what he meant. He pointed out that some people may have ulterior political motives, and so other people have to be careful and not be incited to undermine social stability. I think this is a warm reminder," he said.

Tam, who's now a vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, also brushed aside suggestions that the closed-door events Xia has been taking part in are not an ideal way for him to gauge public views.

"People can be frank in a closed-door meeting, without having to worry it'd be a show," he said.

"From the feedback I got, people said Director Xia was frank and direct."

Tam added that Xia's visit helps to enhance social harmony, after the top Beijing official called on people to be united.

It is understood that Xia will spend Monday meeting representatives of chambers of commerce and visiting the Science Park.