The Hindu : Resignations jolt Hong Kong

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 17, 2003

International

International

Resignations jolt Hong Kong

By P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE July 16. In a move that might boost the morale of the "pro-democracy'' sections of the people of Hong Kong, the territory's Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa, today accepted the resignation of the controversial Secretary for Security, Regina Ip.

(Meanwhile, agencies reported that the Finance Secretary, Antony Leung had also reisgned.)

Though "personal reasons'' have been cited and also accepted as the basis of her resignation move, Mrs. Ip's action has come about as a political interlude, if not also as a "sub-plot'' during the unfolding high drama in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China over the territory's plans to pass a national security legislation to meet the possible threats of treason and subversion.

Mrs. Ip, who submitted her resignation on June 25, is widely reckoned, both in Hong Kong and outside, to have played a critical role in the administration's moves, deferred for the present, to pilot and pass the proposed anti-subversion law. The relevant legislative bill has been at focal point of political `protest' rallies in Hong Kong in recent weeks.

The mass rallies in the former British colony have received wide support in the West. WhIle announcing his acceptance of the resignation, Mr. Tung said he had failed to persuade her to go on long leave first before making up her mind after some rest to sort out her "personal matters''.

He said: "After careful consideration, I have decided to respect her wish and accept her resignation. I have recommend to the Central People's Government the removal of Mrs. Ip from the post of Secretary for Security in accordance with Article 48 (5) of the Basic Law''.

The Basic Law governs Hong Kong's political and administrative ties with the People's Republic of China (PRC), which had taken possession of the former British colony six years ago under the principle of "one country, two systems''.

Under this formula, the PRC's political system of "socialism with Chinese characteristics'' does not, therefore, apply to Hong Kong for a specified period, although the territory belongs to China, politically and historically.

It is this aspect that colours the "pro-democracy'' politics of some highly vocal sections of Hong Kong in the present context of a belief in Beijing that the entire population of the territory might not be behind these sections.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International