A proposed new code of conduct for legislators in Hong Kong imposes a heightened duty on them to demonstrate fealty to the government of the People’s Republic of China.
In terms of the proposals introduced on Wednesday, legislators would be required to “sincerely support the central government’s overall jurisdiction while securing the Hong Kong SAR’s [Special Administrative Region’s] high degree of autonomy”. It also required that they accept the concept of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, a reference to requirements that only candidates acceptable to Beijing would be allowed to contest elections.
In addition, the code demanded: “They should not intentionally vilify the governance credibility of the chief executive and the SAR government, nor should they deliberately undermine or weaken the effectiveness of executive-led governance.”
Those falling foul of the code’s strictures would be subject to an array of penalties.
Alongside the proposed code, proposals on incarceration would allow the authorities to limit visits to inmates by clergy or legal representatives.
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