THE Hong Kong way of handling sensitive issues is, according to Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, to do nothing. The government, therefore, will handle Falun Gong the Hong Kong way "by not dealing with Falun Gong".
This admission is truly welcome. Mr Tsang's reassurance that "we will not legislate" is confirmation that the government has heard the protests from the public, and from foreign consulates, and has recognized the damage anti-cult legislation would do to Hong Kong's image in the international community. Mr Tsang's determination for Hong Kong to "do it our own way", within the rule of law, "different from the mainland way", is a bold stance to take.
The difference between Mr Tsang's remarks and those of some of his colleagues is subtle, but clear. Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and Secretary for Security Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee both said the government would not legislate immediately. Mr Tsang, however, has said simply that the government will not legislate. If his view is definitive, then Falun Gong can breathe easily again.
The government has to tread a difficult tightrope. On the one hand, Beijing views Falun Gong as its number one enemy, and Hong Kong must be seen by Beijing to agree with that view. However, the SAR government must also work within the rule of law here, and respect basic freedoms. Perhaps that is why we have heard the increasingly hostile rhetoric from Mr Tung describing Falun Gong as a [Chinese government's slanderous term omitted]. In making those remarks, Mr Tung has sought to reassure Beijing - while actually backing away from the idea of legislating on the issue.
Mr Tsang said different people had different views on what constituted a xx. He is correct, and that is why legislating would be so dangerous.
We welcome Mr Tsang's honesty and boldness, and his assurance that the government will not legislate. If he is speaking for the government as a whole and not just expressing his personal views, then this is good news for Hong Kong.
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