[Concurrent] Tang Jiahua, Member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Senior Counsel
We should not look at this change from the perspective of a political reform.
My understanding is that the current election changes are a question of system security, especially in response to some of the more unacceptable things that have occurred in Hong Kong in the past two years.
[Explanation] Recently, when Tang Jiahua, a member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Senior Counsel, was interviewed by a reporter from China News Agency in Hong Kong, he opened his case and pointed out the purpose and significance of improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
[Explanation] In Tang Jiahua’s view, the “revision storm” in 2019 and the illegal “primary election” of the opposition in 2020 indicate that Hong Kong’s electoral system has loopholes. Some people use these loopholes to enter the governance structure of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Intent to change or even overthrow the SAR government.
[Concurrent] Tang Jiahua, Member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Senior Counsel
For example, the issue of Hong Kong riots in 2019. Another is the "speculation" plan proposed by the Pan-Democrats last year (2020), which is to use the Hong Kong election system to enter our politics (system) (attempt to) change or even overthrow us. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government cannot pass all proposals put forward by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government. For Hong Kong, it is very harmful in terms of the constitution, the system, and the security of the society.
For this reason, the Central Committee put forward proposals to improve our (Hong Kong) election system.
[Explanation] Tang Jiahua pointed out that improving Hong Kong's electoral system and implementing "patriots ruling Hong Kong" does not mean that Hong Kong's political participation space has changed, but that there are more procedural requirements.
He said that the Candidate Qualification Review Committee is not to prevent those who want to participate in the election from participating in the election, but to ensure that national security is effectively protected.
[Concurrent] Tang Jiahua, Member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Senior Counsel
Generally speaking, it should not be too high a threshold for them to participate in elections. To put it simply, I think that if you do not support "one country, two systems" or the Basic Law at all, you should not participate in the Hong Kong election at all.
Therefore, I think that the review committee should not prevent those who want to participate in the election from participating in the election, but rather a guarantee so that national security can be properly protected.
[Explanation] Tang Jiahua believes that every young politician in Hong Kong must understand that "one country, two systems" is the most suitable system for Hong Kong, and must start from this framework to contribute to the society and must not undermine "one country, two systems."
I hope that young people can clearly understand which direction they should take to improve Hong Kong’s governance and promote democracy.
[Concurrent] Tang Jiahua, Member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Senior Counsel
I hope that every young politician must understand that "One Country, Two Systems" is the only system in Hong Kong that is most suitable for Hong Kong society. In politics, you must have an understanding of the Constitution and "One Country, Two Systems". I hope they will improve Hong Kong's control and improve Hong Kong. The democratic system of China, which direction should be taken.
Reporter Liang Yuan from Hong Kong
Editor in charge: [Wang Kai]