A Call for White Bill on the implementation of Article 23 of Basic Law

   In September 2002, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR Mr. Tung Chee-Hwa asserted publicly that it is the right moment to have an anti-subversion law. Though the government provided the public an outline of the legislation and its objectives through a consultation paper on the issue, it flatly rejected calls for a white bill, which is the draft legislation itlsef. Although some government officials have taken the effort to explain the new proposals, anxiety persists among the general public because of the lack of concrete details in the Consultation Document and the haste with which the government push forward the passage of the proposals.

   As Hong Kong students studying abroad, our future is tied to the future of our homeland, Hong Kong. We realize that one of Hong Kong's most precious assets is freedom of speech, which is critical for the city to continue her role as an international city and an Asian hub. We are therefore very concerned with safeguarding the freedoms that Hong Kong enjoys. Our consensus is that certain proposals in the Consultation Document regarding sedition, subversion and theft of state secrets will grant the Government sweeping powers to suppress press and academic freedom, infringing upon citizens' right to information. Keenly aware that the proposed anti-subversion laws could have a far-reaching impact on the lifestyle of Hong Kong citizens, we believe that a calm, rational debate and open forum in the society is warranted before the a bill is tabled for passage by the Legislative Council. The issuance of a white bill is necessary to create such a discussion.

   For this reason, we demand the HKSAR Government to:

Issue draft legislation in the form of a White Bill, so as to create a debate and open forum on the legislation, and enable Hong Kong citizens (local and overseas) to have ample time to discuss and understand such a legislation.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned