Security Bureau
(Attn: AS(F)2, F Division)
6th floor, East Wing,
Central Government Offices
Lower Albert Road
Central Hong Kong
Dear Sir/Madam,
Don't Trample on Basic Rights
Charter
2000-Aliran, a Malaysian citizens' media initiative, views with concern the
Hong Kong government's plan to introduce and implement Article 23 of Basic Law
allegedly to tackle issues connected with treason, secession, sedition,
subversion and to control ties between local and foreign groups. We feel that
the proposal, in its present form, would have grave implications for civil
liberties and democracy in Hong Kong, particularly for press freedom and
freedom of expression.
We
appreciate the Hong Kong government's concern for its territorial security in
the post-Sept. 11 environment. But we fear that certain intended security
measures may well trample on the people's human rights and civil liberties
especially so when there are still areas in the proposal that are vague and
unclear to the general public.
This is
why we are of the view that it would be beneficial for both parties - the Hong
Kong government and its people - if details of this contentious proposal are
explicitly spelt out. This will assure the people that the proposed
implementation of Article 23 will not have serious consequences for their
universally accepted rights and freedom.
It is
also vital that what constitutes 'sedition', 'official secrets', and 'national
security' should be properly and clearly defined to avoid possible abuse
through such vague provisions in the proposed Article 23.
We
therefore urge the Hong Kong government to submit a revised proposal that would
be clear and specific without any draconian provisions that would undermine
civil liberties.
Regards,
Dr. Mustafa K. Anuar and Anil
Netto
Joint Coordinators
Charter 2000-Aliran
Penang, Malaysia
c.c.
Mak Yin Ting
Chairperson
Hong Kong Journalists Association
Aliran Kesedaran Negara (ALIRAN)
(National Consciousness Movement)
103 Medan Penaga, 11600 Penang,
Malaysia
Tel: +60 (0)4 658 5251 Fax: +60 (0)4 658 5197
e-mail: aliran@streamyx.com
ALIRAN is a reform movement
dedicated to Justice, Freedom, and Solidarity and is listed on the roster of
the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
Website: http://www.malaysia.net/aliran/ or http://www.aliran.com/
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click http://www.malaysia.net/aliran/subsform.html
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