Derek Yuen says he had chat with fugitive father

Political analyst Derek Yuen Mi-chang says he has had a "short chat" with his father in the United States before Elmer Yuen Gong-yi was named a wanted national security suspect.

Derek Yuen yesterday said he traveled to Japan and America last month and had a chat with his father at an event in Los Angeles, but they did not talk about politics.

"The chat was too short so I don't really remember what we talked about," Derek Yuen said.

He also thanked his wife - lawmaker Eunice Yung Hoi-yan, who had cut ties with her father-in-law in August last year - for "protecting" him, adding he understands she is also facing a lot of pressure.

Among things she told him was not to have any financial ties with his father.

"Our family - including my father - has always had an agreement not to ask about each other's political work. I also won't help him," Derek Yuen said.

He said it is not a secret that his father is establishing an illegal Hong Kong parliament in the States. Derek Yuen also said he has not been questioned by national security police since returning home last week.

Elmer Yuen is one of eight overseas suspects who have a HK$1 million bounty for their arrest, it was announced this month.

Derek Yuen said on Tuesday that the current situation in Hong Kong is like "a pool of stagnant water" and the city has to change its governing mode, according to an article from a Chinese newspaper.

He said mainland commentary blog Jinghaihou has said the national security law has been used generically and Hong Kong officials are using it as an excuse for their passive work.

"Hong Kong is facing a serious brain drain and decline of its international reputation. Foreigners do not want to come and there are also economic challenges. They were caused by [the government's approach of] ruling using the security law only," he said.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com