Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka Shing defends national security law as China’s right
Mr Li Ka Shing called on the Hong Kong government to maintain international trust and strengthen its citizens’ faith in the “one country, two systems”.
“We probably need not over-interpret it. Hopefully the proposed new law can allay concerns the central government has in Hong Kong and give rise to a positive outlook from there.”
China last week announced it would write the new law into the city’s mini-constitution, or Basic Law. The step followed months of pro-democracy demonstrations seen as challenging Beijing’s authority. After Britain handed over Hong Kong to China in 1997, the territory has enjoyed autonomy under the “one country, two systems” principle backed by Beijing.
China’s proposed national security law helped trigger a plunge in Hong Kong’s stocks benchmark last week, pointing away from a quick recovery in a $363 billion (S$515 billion) economy that is already battling a recession amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The city’s economy has also suffered from disruptions as thousands of citizens thronged public areas for months to protest against the mainland government’s moves to exert greater control.
After Britain handed over its colony to China in 1997, the territory has enjoyed autonomy under the so-called “one country, two systems” principle backed by Beijing.
Mr Li on Wednesday also called on the Hong Kong government to maintain international trust and strengthen its citizens’ faith in the “one country, two systems” principle. Mr Li’s elder son Victor Li on Tuesday expressed hope that the new law could help Hong Kong stabilise and recover.
The proposed national security law is expected to pass in the National People’s Congress, China’s rubber-stamp parliament, before the end of its annual session on Thursday. Some businesses and lawyers have said the new law lacks details, while China has sought to reassure Hong Kong’s judiciary of its continued independence.
A net worth of about $25 billion makes the senior Mr Li Hong Kong’s richest person, and the seventh wealthiest in Asia, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. His fortune has slumped by about US$5.6 billion this year, the second most among Asia’s top 10 tycoons.
Leaders of three of the city’s largest property developers also signalled support for the proposed law in comments to pro-Beijing newspapers Wen Wei Po and Ta Kung Pao this week.
Mr Raymond Kwok, chairman of Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd and Mr Henry Cheng, chairman of New World Development Co both said the law can create a safe and stable environment for investment and businesses. Mr Peter Lee, chairman of Henderson Land Development Co, said the legislation can protect Hong Kong’s long-term peace and order.
