Hong Kong’s press freedom needs to be safeguarded, says head of journalists association

Hong Kong’s freedom of press remains fragile, therefore it stills needs to be safeguarded, chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association Ronson Chan Ron-sing said, citing recent government crackdowns on news outlets.

His comments came after sole Chief Executive candidate John Lee Ka-chiu sidestepped questions whether he will meet the HKJA during his campaign, and also said on Sunday that freedom of press “currently exists”, therefore does not need to be “safeguarded”.

The association - the city’s largest association of journalists - held a meeting with its members on Saturday to discuss the group’s future, including the possibility of disbandment.

Speaking on a radio program this morning, Chan said the online meeting has discussed whether the association's constitution should be amended to allow the 54-year-old group to disband amid mounting political pressure, with the decision currently requiring the consent of at least five-sixths of the members, according to its constitution.

He confirmed that the topic of disbandment came up during the meeting, but said such a rushed decision should not be made by a minority of its members.

About 90 members were present at the online meeting and some 20 people spoke, according to Chan, describing the atmosphere as "overwhelming".

The HKJA said in September it had 486 full members, 56 student members and 43 retired or permanent members.

Chan said those in favor of disbanding the group took into account the danger and risks the group executives faced, while those against the decision noted the group’s historic value to both the industry and Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Chan stressed it was “valuable” for the association to stand up and speak out for the industry when journalists were being criticized for simply doing their job

“Some people think there is not much our association can do, but it is valuable for us to give a fair comment on things, especially when our fellows were being criticized for fulfilling their duties,” he said.