Lawmaker proposes anti-Hong Kong independence law

Pro-Beijing lawmaker Lawrence Ma has drafted a law to curb pro-independence activities, he revealed during an interview with the China state media.

Ma, a practising barrister and an Australian citizen, claims he has circulated the draft of his proposed “anti-independence act” with various Chinese top authorities.

He believes that last year’s pro-democracy protests were “largely caused by foreign influences”.

His anti-independence proposal includes four parts:
 

• An anti-secession law to prevent secession activities by “force or other severely illegal activities”, with penalties ranging from 10 years’ imprisonment to a life sentence
• Criminalising attempts of enacting full autonomy or denying China’s authority over Hong Kong, with maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
• Individuals organising or participating in public assemblies for the so-called “Indigenous Hong Kong” movement, including anti-parallel-trade protests, can face up to 3 years in prison
• Accepting or donating funds to alleged pro-independence groups could receive a life sentence  

Ma particularly pointed out Lingnan University professor Chin Wan and his “henchmen” as ringleaders of the independence movement, reports Ming Pao.

“Supporters for the independent movement are swayed by foreign influencers, and these influencers… just want whatever causes chaos [in Hong Kong]”, he said.

The Australian citizen compared himself to Yu-Fei, an ancient Chinese war hero, when criticised by lawmaker Dennis Kwok as being obsequious to Beijing, reports Ming Pao. 

“I am willing to be a suck-up like General Yu and defend the country”.

Kwok believes Ma’s idea will “further divide Hong Kong”, according to the BBC. 

Civic Party lawmaker Audrey Eu also slammed his proposal, calling it “ridiculous” and “unconstitutional”.

Chief Executive CY Leung stressed that there are “no current plans” to pass such laws during a press meeting yesterday, reports Apple Daily. 

But he warned that any ideas about Hong Kong independence are “hazardous to the relationship with China”, as quoted by Apple Daily. 

Citizens ought to “be considerate” when addressing Hong Kong’s relationship with China, he urged.

Photo: Jinjian Liang via Flickr