Hong Kong leader vows to restore political order in key speech
- by Leona Burton
- in World Media
- — Nov 25, 2020
Lam's lengthy address to the semi-autonomous city's legislature was delayed by more than a month to accommodate her high-profile trip to Beijing for talks on how China can help with the finance hub's economic recovery.
In her annual policy address, Lam repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining social stability and promoting patriotic education in the restive former British colony, hailing the sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing in June as "remarkably effective" in bringing peace and order despite worldwide pushback including USA sanctions.
The speech was originally scheduled for October 14, but Lam postponed it to have a discussion with Beijing regarding measures to restore the city's economy.
This is the most recent step in the deterioration of Sino-British relations over the status of Hong Kong since the 1997 handover of the former British colony to the Chinese government.
More news: Macy's Thanksgiving Day ParadeLam said in her annual policy address that the law had prevented a return of political unrest and that bringing normalcy back to the political system is an urgent priority.
The government will launch programs to educate Hong Kong's youth, who were at the frontlines of last year's demonstrations, about respecting China's national flag and its anthem.
Lam said her government would introduce bills to "enhance the oath-taking" by civil servants and to "enhance the electoral system", though details were unclear.
Lam said it is the constitutional responsibility of the HKSAR to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.
More news: Brent hits highest since March, spurred by Covid-19 vaccine hopesLam, the city's least popular leader since the handover, presented her annual policy address via video previous year after some opposition lawmakers disrupted the legislative session, jeering as she started her speech.
London has also objected to new rules imposed by mainland China to disqualify elected legislators in Hong Kong, and to what it describes as retribution by the territory's executive against political opposition and silencing of dissent.
After a year of social unrest with fear for personal safety, Hong Kong people can once again enjoy their basic rights and freedoms, according to the law, she said.
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