overseas media on Falun Gong

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) remains a free society under the rule of law and essential human rights and freedoms are highly respected, Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung noted Thursday in a luncheon speech.

She also stressed that SAR Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa has a duty to warn people about the problematic behaviour of the Falun Gong organization, and that this would not in any way destroy Hong Kong's freedom of religion and expression.

"The rule of law and civic freedoms are two of the quintessential qualities that have made Hong Kong a unique and successful city,'' Leung said, "These continue to be robust in Hong Kong and are qualities that the government will continue to protect vigorously.''

The Chief Executive described the Falun Gong as a "cult'' which drew criticism that such statements would threaten freedom of expression in Hong Kong.

The organization, which claims to have tens of millions of believers worldwide and on the mainland, has caused injuries, deaths and self-immolations and was outlawed on the mainland.

Leung said that "Hong Kong cannot wait until actual damage is done before expressing concern or exercising control over the actions of this cult in Hong Kong.''

"He (Tung Chee-hwa) has the duty to warn such an organization not to cause any social disorder in the territory,'' she noted.

Four years after Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the rule of law continues to be maintained, not only by the independent judiciary, but also by the concerted efforts of the law enforcement agencies, the independent legal profession, independent members of the Bar in private practice and by the government, she said.

According to the Basic Law, the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from interference.

In some cases that government's and the legislature's actions were challenged under the law, Leung said, and the judges do not hesitate to pronounce judgment against the government when they find the law or administrative actions contravening the fundamental rights of individuals, as protected by the Basic Law and human rights legislation.

"This is the essence of an independent Judiciary, which we shall continue to cherish,'' she said.

A survey conducted among Hong Kong residents by the Chinese University's Institute of Asia Pacific Studies, the results of which were released a few days ago, shows that 66 per cent of the respondents were satisfied with the current rule of law situation.

The four years of governance of the Hong Kong SAR have also won the approval of foreign countries.

In Asian Intelligence, published by the Political & Economic Risk Consultancy on May 30, the legal systems in Singapore and Hong Kong continue to receive top marks.

International businessmen are impressed with the independence of the judiciary and its professionalism. They are not worried about political interference and are of the view that the Hong Kong legal system works efficiently in its compliance with the traditions of common law.

An evaluation report from the United Kingdom also indicates that the people of Hong Kong continue to enjoy freedom of association and freedom of worship, and freedom to hold peaceful and orderly demonstrations, which makes it very clear that Hong Kong remains a free and open society and a great international city.

(China Daily by Chen Hong)