I am a constituent of your electorate. As an Australian and Hong Konger, I am writing to you as I hold grave concerns over the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Hong Kong.
Since the start of June, millions of Hong Konger have marched on the street and conducted largely peaceful demonstrations on many occasions to voice their opposition to the proposed The Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 (known simply as the Extradition Bill) by the Hong Kong Government, which would establish an official extradition mechanism between Hong Kong and China for the first time in history.
The bill has been criticized by the Hong Kong Bar Association as “a step backward” and failing to offer sufficient protections for the accused. The majority of Hong Kong people are in uproar as they harbor deep mistrust towards the Chinese judicial system known for its corruption, disregard for procedural justice, and towing of the official party line.
Oblivious to the depth of animosity, Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive, and the Hong Kong Government ignored the protestors’ demands and ordered the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) to violently crackdown on the protestors. This is what led to the stunning and horrifying footages of police brutality — indiscriminate use of tear gas in crowded residential areas, aiming rubber bullets at the protestors’ face, violently shoving journalists who are just doing their jobs, and arresting seemingly innocent bystanders based on the colour of their clothing or age. To date, over 1200 people have been arrested with many denied the right to be accompanied by their lawyer for unreasonable period of time and subjected to questionable negotiation tactics during their detention.
As the legislative and executive arm of the Hong Kong government show its true allegiance to China and its willingness to sacrifice human rights over economic growth, the people of Hong Kong desperately need assistance from the international community.
What is happening in Hong Kong is of critical importance to Australia. There are currently 100,000 Australian dual citizens currently living in the city. Regardless of their political opinion on the ongoing situation, their safety is at risk due to the disproportionately excessive force and indiscriminate arrests that are being deployed by the HKPF to suppress the protest.
Hong Kong’s instability will negatively impact on Australia’s economy. Hong Kong is one of Australia’s most important trading partner and home to many Australian companies’ regional headquarter in Asia. It also acts as the middleman for many transactions between Chinese and Australian businesses.
The relationship between Hong Kong and Australia are intricate and mutually beneficial. Given the dire situation in Hong Kong, I would like you to consider to following measures to protect the people of Hong Kong, which would ultimately benefit Australia:
1.Introduce the International Human Rights and Corruption (Magnitsky Sanctions) Bill to the parliament. The previous attempt lapsed at the dissolution of parliament at April 11, 2019. The bill is based on precedents from the United States and the United Kingdom and it would give powers to relevant ministers to make Australia a safer place that values universal liberal values.
2.Include human rights protection clauses in the final ratified version of the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and Hong Kong.
3.Consider offering special permanent protection for people from Hong Kong who currently resides or studies in Australia. Many Hong Kongers are highly educated and value western liberal values. This group would be a fine addition to Australia.
4.Vet all visa and immigration applications from Hong Kong and China more thoroughly for the necessity of protecting the integrity of Australia’s national security as some applicants could have active contributed or complicit in the violation of human rights as part of the police force, HKSAR Government, or private companies (for example, Cathay Pacific’s management, which is terminating the contract of staffs whom have expressed sympathy or support towards the protest movement). Recent clashes on university campuses over the Hong Kong protests have also demonstrated that some foreign students neither understand nor value some basic rights we Australians cherish.
I appreciate your time and I look forward to hearing back from you about your position on my proposals.