National Security Law: More Questions Than Answers

Yoho Mall with protesters against the national security law

The clock is ticking as we are expecting the national security law to come down on Hong Kong by June 30, leaving precious little time when people can legally protest. This afternoon some people went to Yoho Mall in Yuen Long and chanted slogans in their bid to express their concerns about the national security law.

In response riot police -- some in plain clothes -- rushed at the protesters, who were peacefully demonstrating -- and pepper sprayed them, the media and district councillors who were trying to figure out what was going on.

A riot policeman threatens pepper spray on family

And again -- the national security law has yet to be enacted, but the police are acting as if they already have the law in their back pockets. Is this the new normal for Hong Kong when there is any kind of moderate dissent?

Meanwhile it has been explained why the details of the national security law are being released in a drip drip fashion -- the Chinese leadership believe this will minimize adverse reactions, and gradually ease people into the new normal rather than suddenly springing it on them all at once. 

How thoughtful.

But perhaps even more outrageous is the news report that the bill has "unanimous support" from "all walks of life" -- minus opinions from opposition figures and critics.

Lau has yet to see what's in the new law

Senior mainland officials met with 120 people (who represent over 7 million people) from more than 10 sectors and social groups who gave their "honest views" and support of the legislation.

As for the small group of people who will be targeted, one attendee who asked not to be named, said it would involve situations such as spies from the United States. "The jurisdiction power would be very broad, from law enforcement to the judiciary... and yes, that means arrestees could be tried on the mainland."

How reassuring.

Professor Lau Siu-kai, vice-chairman of the semi-official think tank the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau studies suggested the draft legislation might be amended after they listen to the views in Hong Kong.

Lau's comments hardly assuage the public's concerns. Any major legislation needs the feedback of people, and that opportunity isn't even given before it is released.

Even those 120 people who attended these feedback sessions weren't allowed to read the draft, and yet they still supported the bill. Are they all zombies?

To says there is need for feedback from public

How bizarre.

Veteran Democratic Party lawmaker James To Kun-sun said, "Passing a security bill first before letting the public know its detailed content is something unimaginable in any civilized society."

While To is right, there is no persuading the Chinese otherwise. They are determined to pass the secretive bill and then unleash it on Hong Kong.

And then the mass exit will begin.

How sad.