Security Bureau slams overseas activists’ ‘Hong Kong parliament’ plan

The Security Bureau on Wednesday slammed several overseas activists for launching a committee to establish a “Hong Kong Parliament” in exile.

The government statement said it severely condemns Elmer Yuan Gong-yi, Victor Ho Leung-mau and Baggio Leung Chung-hang and others for forming a so-called "Hong Kong Parliament" overseas, suspected of contravening the National Security Law.

“Police shall spare no efforts in pursuing the cases in accordance with the law in order to bring the offenders to justice,” the statement read.

The Security Bureau also appeals to the public to dissociate themselves from individuals contravening the Hong Kong National Security Law, and the illegal activities those individuals organized, so as to avoid bearing any unnecessary legal risks.

The move came after a group of overseas Hong Kong citizens have founded the Hong Kong Parliament Electoral Organizing Committee in Canada last month.

The committee aims to hold the first election of the parliament in late 2023, the group said in a statement on Wednesday. It was said that one of the organizing members is ex-lawmaker-elect Leung.

Leung was among a list of pro-democracy figures who left the city to go into self-exile. He was one of the first lawmakers to be disqualified as an incoming lawmaker in Hong Kong after he was elected in 2016.

According to the organizing committee, the parliament, which will be formed by universal suffrage “represents, solidifies and revives Hong Kong people’s rights of self-determination.”

The scheme was initiated by businessman and commentator Yuen, who is the father of ex-People Power chair Erica Yuen Mi-ming and scholar Derek Yuen Mi-Chang, who is married to New People’s Party lawmaker Eunice Yung Hoi-yan.

The committee is chaired by journalist Ho, who is the former editor-in-chief of the Vancouver edition of Sing Tao Daily.

Their statement said: “The Committee believes in Popular Sovereignty. Hongkongers should as of right decide Hong Kong’s future. To exercise this principle, Hongkongers must elect their representatives by free, fair, and safe elections which meet the international standard.”