'Patriots governing Hong Kong' urged

Hong Kong political leaders called for reforms to thoroughly implement the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong".

The principle, which the central government has always required of special administrative regions, was highlighted by President Xi Jinping on Wednesday while hearing work reports from Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and Macao leader Ho Iat-seng, they said.

The work reports, usually presented in person by the leaders of the SARs at the end of each year, were delivered via videoconference.

During the video call, Xi said that Hong Kong can maintain its long-term stability and security only by ensuring the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong".

Tung Chee-hwa, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said Hong Kong has restored peace and order since the enactment of the National Security Law for Hong Kong on June 30.

This is a good case in point to prove that only by sticking to the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong" and leaving no room for anti-China troublemakers can Hong Kong ensure lasting stability and prosperity and the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems", Tung said.

Tam Yiu-chung, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said that if Hong Kong were to be governed by those who don't love the country and the city, it would be difficult for the central government to exercise its overall jurisdiction over the Hong Kong SAR, and that would harm the implementation of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's social stability.

Government's determination

Agreeing on the importance of implementing the principle, Tam said the SAR government has shown determination by requiring civil servants and district councilors to swear allegiance to the SAR.

The next step could be strengthening national education among young people so they can better understand the country's development, Tam said.

Former police commissioner Tang King-shing suggested the government look into the whole question of governance in order to seek reform and improvements.

It's important to ensure that patriots are selected to engage in every process in Hong Kong's governance, so that the principle can be fully implemented, he said.

This not only includes elections and swearing allegiance, but also the making of laws, policies and their execution, as well as issues related to statutory and advisory bodies, he said.

Lau Siu-kai, vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, agreed.

He added that the SAR government should reform the electoral system to give full play to the principle so that patriots can take the lead in Hong Kong's governance. In that way, Hong Kong's lasting stability could be ensured, the political scientist said.

Lau also acknowledged Lam's achievements in upholding national interests over the past year, including requesting that civil servants swear allegiance, combating separatist activities on university campuses, disqualifying some opposition figures from running for election and resisting foreign intervention.

David Wong Yau-kar, a Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress, noted that a year of social unrest that haunted the city beginning in June 2019 underscored the importance of patriots governing the city.

Patriotism should be a must for those serving in the government, the city's legislature and local district councils, he said.

Full support

Wong said Xi's remarks and the central government's full support are a shot in the arm for the city, which is still caught up in the fourth wave of the pandemic.

Wong said he's confident that the city will eventually control the pandemic with the central government's support.

Tam expressed hope that the SAR government will live up to Xi's expectations in terms of combating the COVID-19 pandemic, reviving the hard-hit economy, and restoring people's quality of life.

He said the central government's commitment to give full support to Hong Kong's anti-pandemic fight is "inspiring".

Lau warned that if the pandemic continues to rage on in the city, it could lead to social instability or even cripple Hong Kong's integration into the nation's development.