By Lin Miao-Jung
STAFF REPORTER


The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said yesterday that Hong Kong should safeguard freedom of speech as it drafts security laws.

At a news conference, MAC Vice Chairman Chen Ming-tong said that the council will continue to monitor public opinion in Hong Kong with respect to the legislation aimed at tackling "treason, secession, sedition and subversion."

"Freedom of speech is a natural right. After Hong Kong's handover to China in 1997, Taiwan has held out hope the region can keep its openness and freedom," Chen said.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government last week issued a set of draft security laws which were mandated by its Basic Law, in particular article 23, which stipulates that the government shall "enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition [or] subversion against the Central People's Government."

The anti-sedition legislation has sparked concern about freedom of speech since the power to interpret the law is vested in the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress.

Liberals in Hong Kong have expressed worries and connected the legislation with the gradual and systematic elimination of the city's autonomy.

Some have said that, under such laws, China might designate Falun Gong as a national security threat. The spiritual group is still legal in Hong Kong.

In addition, those who suggest that Taiwan be prepared to defend itself against an invasion from China could be imprisoned.

In response to reporters' questions about Taipei's stance on the issue, Chen said that Taiwan is a democratic society and freedom of speech is highly valued here.

"We hope Hong Kong can retain openness and freedom of expression. And of course we hope to retain friendly relations with Hong Kong." Chen said.


http://www.taipeitimes.com/news/2002/10/05/story/0000170770