LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2059

OFFICIAL RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Thursday, 21 November 2019

The Council continued to meet at Nine o'clock

MEMBERS PRESENT:

THE PRESIDENT THE HONOURABLE ANDREW LEUNG KWAN-YUEN, G.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE LEUNG YIU-CHUNG

THE HONOURABLE ABRAHAM SHEK LAI-HIM, G.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE TOMMY CHEUNG YU-YAN, G.B.S., J.P.

PROF THE HONOURABLE JOSEPH LEE KOK-LONG, S.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE JEFFREY LAM KIN-FUNG, G.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE WONG TING-KWONG, G.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE STARRY LEE WAI-KING, S.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE CHAN HAK-KAN, B.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE CHAN KIN-POR, G.B.S., J.P.

DR THE HONOURABLE PRISCILLA LEUNG MEI-FUN, S.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE MRS REGINA IP LAU SUK-YEE, G.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE PAUL TSE WAI-CHUN, J.P.

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THE HONOURABLE CLAUDIA MO

THE HONOURABLE STEVEN HO CHUN-YIN, B.B.S.

THE HONOURABLE FRANKIE YICK CHI-MING, S.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE WU CHI-WAI, M.H.

THE HONOURABLE YIU SI-WING, B.B.S.

THE HONOURABLE MA FUNG-KWOK, S.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE CHARLES PETER MOK, J.P.

THE HONOURABLE CHAN CHI-CHUEN

THE HONOURABLE CHAN HAN-PAN, B.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE LEUNG CHE-CHEUNG, S.B.S., M.H., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE ALICE MAK MEI-KUEN, B.B.S., J.P.

DR THE HONOURABLE KWOK KA-KI

THE HONOURABLE KWOK WAI-KEUNG, J.P.

THE HONOURABLE DENNIS KWOK WING-HANG

THE HONOURABLE CHRISTOPHER CHEUNG WAH-FUNG, S.B.S., J.P.

DR THE HONOURABLE FERNANDO CHEUNG CHIU-HUNG

DR THE HONOURABLE HELENA WONG PIK-WAN

THE HONOURABLE IP KIN-YUEN

THE HONOURABLE ELIZABETH QUAT, B.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE MARTIN LIAO CHEUNG-KONG, G.B.S., J.P.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2061

THE HONOURABLE POON SIU-PING, B.B.S., M.H.

DR THE HONOURABLE CHIANG LAI-WAN, S.B.S., J.P.

IR DR THE HONOURABLE LO WAI-KWOK, S.B.S., M.H., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE CHUNG KWOK-PAN

THE HONOURABLE ALVIN YEUNG

THE HONOURABLE ANDREW WAN SIU-KIN

THE HONOURABLE CHU HOI-DICK

THE HONOURABLE JIMMY NG WING-KA, B.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE JUNIUS HO KWAN-YIU, J.P.

THE HONOURABLE HO KAI-MING

THE HONOURABLE SHIU KA-FAI, J.P.

THE HONOURABLE WILSON OR CHONG-SHING, M.H.

THE HONOURABLE YUNG HOI-YAN, J.P.

THE HONOURABLE CHAN CHUN-YING, J.P.

THE HONOURABLE CHEUNG KWOK-KWAN, J.P.

THE HONOURABLE LUK CHUNG-HUNG, J.P.

DR THE HONOURABLE CHENG CHUNG-TAI

THE HONOURABLE JEREMY TAM MAN-HO

THE HONOURABLE GARY FAN KWOK-WAI

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THE HONOURABLE VINCENT CHENG WING-SHUN, M.H., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE TONY TSE WAI-CHUEN, B.B.S.

THE HONOURABLE CHAN HOI-YAN

MEMBERS ABSENT:

THE HONOURABLE JAMES TO KUN-SUN

THE HONOURABLE WONG KWOK-KIN, S.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE MICHAEL TIEN PUK-SUN, B.B.S., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE KENNETH LEUNG

THE HONOURABLE LAM CHEUK-TING

THE HONOURABLE HOLDEN CHOW HO-DING

THE HONOURABLE SHIU KA-CHUN

DR THE HONOURABLE PIERRE CHAN

THE HONOURABLE TANYA CHAN

THE HONOURABLE HUI CHI-FUNG

THE HONOURABLE LAU KWOK-FAN, M.H.

THE HONOURABLE KENNETH LAU IP-KEUNG, B.B.S., M.H., J.P.

THE HONOURABLE KWONG CHUN-YU

THE HONOURABLE AU NOK-HIN

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2063

PUBLIC OFFICERS ATTENDING:

THE HONOURABLE PATRICK NIP TAK-KUEN, J.P. SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AND MAINLAND AFFAIRS

MR ANDY CHAN SHUI-FU, J.P. UNDER SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AND MAINLAND AFFAIRS

CLERKS IN ATTENDANCE:

MS ANITA SIT, ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL

MISS FLORA TAI YIN-PING, ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL

MS DORA WAI, ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL

MR MATTHEW LOO, ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL

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ADJOURNMENT MOTION

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): This Council now continues with the debate on the adjournment motion moved under Rule 16(2) of the Rules of procedure.

Mr WONG Ting-kwong, please speak.

ADJOURNMENT MOTION UNDER RULE 16(2) OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE

Continuation of debate on motion which was moved on 20 November 2019

MR WONG TING-KWONG (in Cantonese): President, good morning. Numerous elections have been held in Hong Kong during the past two to three decades, and during all these elections, voters have fulfilled their civic responsibilities very seriously, while all candidates have been able to conduct their electioneering campaigns in a fair, just and open manner. This was a period during which Hong Kong's democratic process keep advancing, and by running in these elections, all candidates were able to pursue their political ideologies and put their ideas to improve people's livelihood into practice.

However, street violence has been getting more and more serious since June this year, and the community has been overshadowed by an atmosphere of black terror. Black-clad rioters have caused widespread damage using various extraordinary means, disrupting social peace and threatening the lives and properties of the public. Similarly, the offices of many District Council ("DC") members were subject to severe damage, and in this connection, I have to specially point out that apart from vandalizing, smashing and burning offices of DC members from the pro-establishment camp, there were also violent attacks on these DC members as well as their staff and volunteers. There are only a few days left before the election for a new DC term will be held, and we are very much concerned about whether polling activities can be held smoothly under such circumstances. It is even more worrying that the SAR Government has so far not been able to properly stop violence and curb disorder.

The Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, Barnabas FUNG, said the day before yesterday that if an individual polling station stopped operating due to unexpected incidents for over one and a half hours on the polling day, the voting of the constituency concerned would be postponed to 1 December. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2065

Before that, the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs set out three conditions for holding the DC Election as scheduled, and these included: violence and all kinds of duress should stop; blocking of tunnels, highways and roads should cease; destruction to transport facilities should halt altogether to prevent paralysing the traffic, so that polling station staff would be able to report duty at their assigned stations on time. He also stressed that the Government would keep in view the risks involved and the latest situation on a daily basis. However, as a matter fact, rioters are still creating chaos and there are still traffic disruptions today, with cases at many MTR stations involving train doors being prevented from closing and reckless pressing of emergency buttons. The traffic between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon through the Cross Harbour Tunnel has been paralysed and there is no knowing when the tunnel will be reopened. I would therefore like to ask the Administration: Is it still possible to have the election held smoothly under such circumstances?

Chief Executive Carrie LAM has told the truth by saying that the Government had all along insisted on holding the DC Election as scheduled, but it had no control over the situation because intimidation from demonstrators was no longer targeted merely at the Police or voters with different political stances, but at the personal safety of nearly everyone. Such being the case, how can voters rest assured that it will be safe for them to go out that day and cast their votes at designated polling stations?

The pro-establishment camp is directly under such intimidation. With the recent escalation of violent demonstrations, rioters blocked roads, sabotaged transport facilities, disrupted the operations of various transports, and even set fire everywhere as well as vandalized shops. The district offices of some Legislative Council Members and DC members from the pro-establishment camp have become targets of their attacks. In the past few months, among the district offices set up by members of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong ("DAB"), as many as 70 of them were vandalized for a total of over a hundred times, and they were set on fire and splashed with water. Many candidates of the upcoming DC Election were harassed when setting up street booths, and this has deprived them of the chance to come into contact with residents in the community through a normal channel and provide them with the services they need. We strongly condemn the black violence, but we should never give up our work of serving the community because of this, and will remain true to our original aspiration, continue to serve the public and keep on doing publicity work in the street.

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There are countless examples which I can cite to specifically illustrate the violent acts committed by demonstrators. According to a candidate who is a Legislative Council Member cum Sham Shui Po DC member from DAB, many members' offices in Kowloon West were vandalized by demonstrators, with glassware, iron gates and computers in these offices damaged. Some residents in the community pointed out that the violent incidents had discouraged them from expressing their views, and they did not dare to interfere.

The offices of some Sai Kung DC and North DC members from DAB were also set on fire, while the office on the ground floor of Kwong Sui House of Kwong Ming Court in Tseung Kwan O was vandalized, with the floor and its walls blackened by smoke, and some banners and posters smeared and torn up. The Police arrived at the scene subsequently for investigation, and the case was classified as arson. However, the case is still under investigation and no person has been arrested so far.

Besides, the office of a North DC member located in Wah Min House of Wah Sam Estate in Fanling was also set on fire. This is already the third time that his office was vandalized, and some easy mount frames, wheelchairs donated by residents in the community for loan as well as oil-filled electric radiators for donation to the needy were all destroyed. In addition, due to the bursting of the water pipe in a fire hose reel system, the office was flooded by a large amount of fresh water.

A Legislative Council Member from DAB has set up a DC member's office in Tung Chung, but it was also broken into and vandalized by black-clad rioters for the third time in recent months. The office has already been destroyed and can no longer operate. The damage done by rioters this time is even more outrageous than before, because apart from causing extensive destruction, all communication systems in the office were damaged. It can thus be seen that the actions of rioters have been carefully planned beforehand, and this is an organized, planned, and targeted strategy, in an attempt to prevent the office from providing services to residents in the community.

Moreover, when a candidate from DAB who is running in the constituency of Yau Ma Tei South set up a street booth as usual earlier, a person approached and harassed the candidate by first using vulgar language, and then kicking the candidate with his feet, but the candidate managed to fend off the attacks with his hands. That person left the scene later but returned again shortly afterwards, splashing some unknown liquid at the candidate and attacking him with a wooden LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2067 stick. Fortunately, this has caused no serious injuries and the person left again subsequently. Mr HO, a Legislative Council Member from the pro-establishment camp, has on the other hand suffered even more serious political persecution in various respects. Not only have his Member's offices been repeatedly vandalized but he himself has also been intimidated, with his personal safety constantly threatened. He was recently stabbed by a man with a sharp knife at his street booth, and the knife was nearly stabbed into his heart, he escaped death by the skin of his teeth. Three people were injured in this incident.

These are the 12 kinds of evil deeds uncovered earlier by the Election Fairness Concern Group, which have undermined fairness in elections. Such deeds include attacking candidates at street booths; intimidating the families of candidates; causing extensive destruction to the promotion materials of candidates; threatening to vandalize the dwelling places of candidates; publicizing on the Internet the personal details of members of the entire family of candidates; intimidating nominators of candidates; intimidating, assaulting, harassing volunteers of electioneering teams of candidates; vandalizing Members' offices; encircling and blocking street booths of candidates; intimidating commercial tenants for the purpose of discouraging them from posting certain publicity materials; intimidating supporters of certain candidates by such means as making door-to-door visits, committing acts of vandalism, blocking keyholes, etc.; and forcing residents in the community to accept publicity leaflets distributed by rioters for certain candidates.

I believe that only by stopping violence and curbing disorder can we restore social order, lest the opposition camp will also suffer. Some people from the opposition camp have also become targets of attacks but fortunately, they have recovered with admirable speed, and have managed to meet with the media in very good shapes to give an account of the facts of their cases. The former Chairman of the Democratic Party, Mr HO, was attacked recently by some masked people on his way home, and the injuries sustained were fortunately not very serious. However, as he seldom voiced his opinions on recent violent cases, and is not running in the upcoming DC Election, I wonder why he would become a target of attacks. Although the pan-democrats have often criticized the Police for its excessive power and malpractices during law enforcement, Mr HO has still reported the case to the Police. The Democratic Party has only issued a statement on this case to condemn the violent acts of the villains, but we fail to see a greater number of supporters of the opposition camp who dare to join us in stopping and condemning a series of street violence and acts of black terror. 2068 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Instead, they have kept finding excuses for the violent acts committed by rioters over the past few months, whitewashing these rioters and glorifying them as heroes.

The "black riots" which have been going on in the past few months have turned Hong Kong completely upside down, and the beating, smashing and looting by rioters have not only dealt a serious blow to Hong Kong's economy but also thrown all the people in Hong Kong into panic. Local communities are now under the threats of black terror because rioters have targeted their attacks at political parties and groups as well as members from the pro-establishment camp in an organized and comprehensive manner, and none of the members' offices of DAB can escape their attacks. Such evil acts of arson and criminal damage have seriously affected the normal services provided by DAB to the public in local communities, and worse still, some rioters have once set fire at a location in close proximity to a petrol station, resulting in the risk of serious consequence and casualties should the fire get out of control. The entire DC Election has already been overshadowed by riots, which has brought psychological shadow to many people, which is difficult to be obliterated from their minds. I cannot rule out the possibility that some voters will give up voting on the polling day because of fear or obstruction caused by other people. Hence, the safety of the DC Election this year is questionable, and the fairness of the election has also been significantly affected by various different factors.

DAB will definitely not succumb to such "black forces", and neither will its determination to build Hong Kong be shaken. I hereby make it clear to all those present here that DAB supports the holding of the DC Election as scheduled.

President, I so submit.

MR CHAN CHUN-YING (in Cantonese): President, good morning. The 2019 District Council ("DC") Election will be held this Sunday. It was reported that as at 14 November, the Independent Commission Against Corruption ("ICAC") had received 201 pursuable reports in this respect, and among them 67 were related to allegations concerning the use of force or duress against candidates or prospective candidates, accounting for 33% of the total number of complaints and far exceeding the number of such complaints received (i.e. nine reports) during the last DC Election in 2015.

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President, I would first of all like to declare that I am a member of the Operations Review Committee of ICAC. The figures mentioned above are just quantitative information for reference purpose, and they can in no way reflect the degree of violence involved in the DC Election this year. If we couple the figures with a bloody incident in which a candidate was stabbed at the heart with a knife, they undoubtedly serve to remind all voters in Hong Kong of the tense social atmosphere in which the DC Election is held this year, and can the Election be held in a fair and just manner? The adjournment motion moved by Ms YUNG Hoi-yan today gives us a chance to calm down, and reflect on the issue of what we should do to enable the election on Sunday to be held in a peaceful, fair and safe manner.

According to Article 26 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ("HKSAR"), permanent residents of HKSAR shall have the right to vote and the right to stand for election in accordance with law. There are more than 4.13 million registered voters and 1 090 candidates in the upcoming DC Election. I believe everyone of us attaches great importance to the election, and hopes to exercise our civil rights to elect DC members to serve as our representatives.

In order to maintain the well-established election culture in Hong Kong and have DC elections conducted in a peaceful, fair, open and orderly manner, a set of guidelines, namely the Guidelines on Election-related Activities in respect of the District Council Election, has long been drawn up, revised and promulgated by the Electoral Affairs Commission ("EAC"). The Guidelines cover matters and requirements on a total of 18 areas including registration of electors; voting system; nomination of candidates; polling and counting arrangements; election petitions; election advertisements; election meetings; election broadcasting, media reporting and election forums; prohibition against canvassing activities outside polling stations; exit poll; election expenses and election donations; corrupt and illegal conduct; namedropping; and participation in election-related activities by civil servants and officials under the political appointment system and attendance of public functions by both civil servants and candidates.

In the meantime, 16 related appendices have been drawn up to facilitate regulation of election activities by candidates. I will not list them out one by one here, but the areas covered include DC Election action checklist for candidates; methods of folding of election mail; canvassing activities which are forbidden within a no canvassing zone; guidance on election activities for 2070 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 candidates, government departments, public opinion research organizations and members of the public; fair and equal treatment of candidates by the print media; and items of expenses to be counted towards election expenses as well as guidelines for mutual aid committees participating in election activities, etc. It can thus be seen that in order to ensure the holding of fair and just elections, EAC has promulgated many rules and regulations over the years, which all candidates, election agents, volunteers and other relevant persons must strictly observe.

However, President, demonstration activities in recent months have resulted in incessant clashes and violent incidents in Hong Kong, with some public figures and members of the public being attacked, some members' offices being vandalized. All these are really worrying developments.

Elections are a matter for all of us, and we should keep calm and be rational, do not let violence ruin elections. The DC Election this year is faced with unprecedented challenges, and in order to have it successfully held, due regard must be given to the personal safety of voters going to the polling stations as well as that of the polling staff. I sincerely hope that all voters will be able to cast their votes safely, peacefully and free from threat, so that the election results can truly reflect the aspirations of all Hong Kong people.

There are over 4 million registered voters in the DC Election this year, and more than 30% of them are persons aged 61 or above. There have been calls recently on the Internet for obstructing elderly people from voting on the polling day by, for example, taking away their identity cards, making arrangements for them to go on a two days' trip away from Hong Kong, and even encircling and blocking tourist coaches used for transporting them to and from polling stations. There is indeed no limit to the creativity on the Internet, there have been calls for elderly people not to bring any personal documents, or taking them to public hospitals to wait for accident and emergency services there. The whole purpose is to prevent elderly people from fulfilling their civic responsibility of voting in the election.

In fact, the aforementioned instigating acts, which are unjust, may have constituted a violation of the electoral laws by depriving people who have the right to vote of their original right. Under Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity to vote and to be elected in elections without unreasonable restrictions. According to media reports, Deputy Programme Coordinator LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2071

(Clean Elections) of ICAC, Karen HUANG, pointed out that such acts might lead to election fraud, which was liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for seven years and a fine of $500,000.

President, the aforementioned ideas for preventing elderly people from voting, if put into practice, will deprive elderly people of their right to vote, but what is more serious, which has come to my attention, is an attempt to deprive other people of their right to serve as volunteers of electioneering teams. Earlier, a candidate set up a street booth in Tung Chung, and a person holding dissenting political views had a quarrel with a volunteer of his electioneering team. The volunteer was subsequently hit and injured by a vehicle driven by that person, and the incident was suspected to be an intentional attack. This has not only posed real life-threatening risks to these volunteers but also an intimidation to electioneering teams of candidates, and will have a direct impact on the fairness of the upcoming election.

President, as I have said at the beginning of my speech, the degree of violence involved in the run-up to the DC Election this year is rarely seen. Petrol bombs were hurled at some candidates engaging in canvassing activities, members' offices were severely vandalized, electioneering teams campaigning at street booths were mobbed and intimidated, the publicity materials of some candidates were damaged on a large scale, family members and relatives of some candidates were doxxed, threats were made to vandalize the homes of certain candidates, nominators were intimidated, some shops refused to display the publicity posters of certain candidates, and all sorts of tricks have been used. To sum it up, the entire electioneering campaigns have been subject to the threat of black violence, and the most serious case is the incident in which a Legislative Council Member, who is also a candidate running in the DC Election this year, was almost killed in a knife attack. The attack undoubtedly sought to make the candidate disappear completely from the election, or to put it more accurately, make him disappear in this world.

Apart from the personal safety of candidates being under threat, even members' offices or district service centres have not emerged unscathed, with their communication systems disconnected, resulting in complete shutdown of some offices. One very important part of an electioneering campaign is to come into contact with voters, but according to a video clip circulated on the Internet, a man slapped and swore at an elderly person who was on her way to a member's office. To my knowledge, many candidates running in the DC Election have been obstructed by people holding dissenting political views when they tried to 2072 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 set up street booths to contact voters. Publicity materials for election purpose including banners and posters have also been repeatedly vandalized, making it impossible for candidates to interact with residents in the community through normal channels and provide services to them. This has also resulted in unfairness in elections.

President, violent atmosphere has been brewing in Hong Kong in recent months, and there were incessant vigilante attacks in public places against people with different political views. Hong Kong people are actually living in the fear of black violence. However, no matter how difficult the situation is, the SAR Government has an unshirkable responsibility to create conditions for voters to come out to vote without fear, so that all voters, regardless of their political opinions, can exercise their right in this respect.

Secretary Patrick NIP pointed out this Monday that it was the Government's stance to try its best to ensure that the DC Election would be held smoothly as scheduled, so that voters could exercise their right to vote and elect their district representatives. However, he had also made it clear that when it came to the holding of the election in a safe and orderly manner, the Government had no control over the situation, which was in the hands of violent demonstrators on the street. It would not be possible to have the election conducted in a safe and orderly manner if they did not stop. Secretary NIP also set out three conditions for holding the election smoothly on Sunday: Firstly, violence and all kinds of duress should stop; secondly, blocking of tunnels, highways and roads should cease; thirdly, destruction to transport facilities should halt altogether to prevent paralysing the traffic.

Hong Kong has seen the unrestrained use of petrol bombs in recent months, and this must be the most worrying factor for the people of Hong Kong on the polling day. There is a possibility that everyone of us, including staff members on duty in polling stations, citizens on their way to vote, innocent passers-by or the assaulters themselves, will be exposed to the risk of being engulfed by fire. According to the Government, emergency response teams will be set up by the Fire Services Department to timely put out a fire which may break out in any polling station.

The Government has also indicated that it would deploy sufficient manpower, including police officers, Civil Aid Service members and personnel of external security companies, to offer assistance at polling stations, in order to cope with all possible security risks. However, President, I notice that the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2073

Government has not announced the actual number of staff members deployed to perform the related tasks, and will there be sufficient personnel to protect the safety of more than 600 polling stations throughout the territory? I can only wait and see what will happen on Sunday. It will of course be most ideal if there is utterly no need for us to invoke any of these contingency plans, our community can return to rationality as soon as possible, and all of us will say no to violence on the upcoming polling day of a democratic district election.

As for the second and the third conditions set out by the Secretary, smooth traffic movements have to be maintained to ensure that over 20 000 polling staff from various districts throughout the territory will arrive at the assigned polling stations on time, so that the operation of all polling stations will begin punctually at 7:30 am. Although the DC Election is a district election, the entire election involves not only voters, candidates, volunteers and electioneering teams but also many polling staff who are responsible for providing logistics support. I therefore absolutely agree with the views expressed by Secretary NIP.

Finally, President, more than five months of social turmoil has not shown any signs of abating, and the DC Election this year will be held amid the storm of the opposition against the proposed legislative amendments. The current chaotic situation in Hong Kong is the result of incitement of young people and the radicals by those with ulterior motives. In order to achieve their hidden objectives, they reverse right and wrong, spread rumours and slanders, glorify and connive at violence, make young people their cannon fodder, and some people have even likened the current incident to a Hong Kong-version Colour Revolution.

Hence, the most pressing task for Hong Kong now is to stop violence, curb disorder and restore order. As a matter of fact, the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the SAR Government as well as every single citizen in Hong Kong are like snow blocks of a snowy mountain, and in order to avoid an avalanche in Hong Kong, we must shoulder the responsibility for curbing and punishing violence in accordance with the law! The voting public should realize that the fate of Hong Kong is hung in the balance, they must come forward bravely to condemn black terror and election violence, and use their votes to curb disorder. I would like to reiterate my hope that the election on Sunday can be held smoothly in a peaceful, fair and safe manner, and that district representatives who do not support violence will be elected.

President, I so submit.

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MR JEFFREY LAM (in Cantonese): President, the District Council ("DC") Election will be held this Sunday. On the 6th of this month, meaning 18 days before the election, a candidate of the DC Election, who is also an incumbent Legislative Council Member, was attacked by a knifeman in the course of his electioneering campaign on the streets. Describing the incident as an "attack" is already an understatement. His case was actually an attempted murder.

In fact, this is not an isolated incident. Over the past few weeks, many incidents have taken place involving rioters' brazen use of violence to disrupt the electioneering campaigns of the pro-establishment camp. They have assaulted pro-establishment candidates or harassed their agents many times, including candidates from the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong ("BPA"), the New People's Party, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, and also the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong. Such attacks have led to the injury of many people, and their offices have also been set on fire and vandalized. Some shop owners who displayed posters of these candidates have even faced intimidation and retaliation, and they have become so terrified that they all hasten to remove their posters.

Besides, on social media websites, some radical individuals have abetted others in hindering elderly people in voting. This is already a violation of the law. President, I learn about this not from social media websites. Instead, a person complained to me in person about this kind of harassment to him. He added that he did not report the case to the Police because it was a family matter. I certainly do not want to see any similar incidents on the 24th of this month. But all such incidents have honestly aroused people's concern whether the election this Sunday can be held as fairly, impartially and smoothly as previous elections. The Secretary is present today. He always stresses the need for ensuring the fair and impartial conduct of the election. But after so many incidents have happened, what measures have been taken by the Government to protect the safety of candidates, their agents and their offices?

President, Members have been calling Hong Kong a democratic city with freedoms. But have they ever respected people's rights to freedom and democracy? Even though the predicament of protests or social disturbance over the past few months in Hong Kong is heart-wrenching to many Hong Kong people, many of them are still eager to express their views and elect their desired representatives by casting their votes in the DC Election.

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But regrettably, the continued escalation of violent protests as we have seen over the past few weeks and also the "Operation Dawn" started by certain radical individuals have plunged Hong Kong into its darkest days ever. In order to materialize a general strike on three fronts by the labour, education and business sectors, they resorted to the massive damage of railway tracks and road blockade in broad daylight. Their action was not as simple as blocking roads by setting up a few human obstacles. Rather, they scattered bricks, shards of glass and iron nails all over the place. As far as I could see, some passers-by sustained foot injuries as they stepped on iron nails. All this is honestly horrifying.

Not only so, they even hurled bricks and petrol bombs at those Hong Kong people with the good intention of clearing the streets. I am honestly agitated by this. Such actions led to service suspension on most railway lines. This is known and evident to all, and we have all suffered. The service suspension of the whole East Rail Line and also the cancellation or re-routing of numerous bus routes led to "super chaos" during the morning hours when people rushed to work or school. Some recent news reports alleged that many dutiful employees who were the breadwinners of their families had been caught in conflicts with students. I make particular mention of students because I can see on camera how some students tried to hinder railway operation. All this is not something that people want to see.

Some radical protesters even hurled petrol bombs everywhere, and they inflicted wanton damages upon entering shopping arcades and launched vigilante attacks on those with divergent political views. They even went so far as to douse a person with dissenting political views with petrol and set him on fire. The person in question is a good citizen who is unemployed for the time being. At the time, he noticed chaos everywhere and attempted to stop rioters from vandalizing public facilities in a shopping arcade. But in the end, he was doused with petrol and set alight. Recently, his family members came forward with face covering and told us about their plight, including him. Why didn't they dare to show their appearance on camera? They are frightened by possible vigilantism. Why would Hong Kong degenerate into the present state?

At the place where he was attacked … Flowers placed at another place of attack have been destroyed. Everybody knows the truth about the rumours surrounding Prince Edward Station and that is, nothing ever happened in the station. Despite this, rumours have nonetheless been spread on the Internet and a magazine of a media organization, alleging that some people died in the station that day. This explains why floral tributes have been pouring in there. This has come to affect people's life and this election.

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President, people from various social sectors should come forward and express condemnation at such extremely violent acts that have jeopardized others' lives and upset social order in total disregard for the law. But as far as we can see, none of the pan-democrats is present today. They have neither expressed condemnation in public nor said anything about this old man who was doused with petrol and set alight. Instead, they have put forth some so-called "facts" which are actually unsubstantiated. People must see the facts for themselves with their discerning eyes.

We have even noticed from many online comments a disregard of election fairness. As I said just now, some have blatantly incited young people to withhold the identity cards of their old family members and intimidate those candidates who canvass votes. Some have even gone so far as to suggest the hurling of petrol bombs at candidates who canvass votes and spread rumours at housing estates about the cancelation of the election or the relocation of polling stations to somewhere else. From this, we can notice certain deliberate attempts to prevent the smooth conduct of the election. Of course, the culprits are not pro-establishment candidates as they are righteous persons. The answer to the question about their identity is evident to all. The fairness and impartiality of the election has been compromised to a certain extent.

President, in the case of BPA, for example, the district offices of over 10 DC members of BPA have suffered malicious vandalism of varying degrees since June, and their street counters have been violently damaged and come under intimidation. Worse still, some of our offices have even turned into the target of arson and petrol bomb attacks and sustained serious damage. Extremely shocked and agitated, BPA expresses the most severe condemnation at rioters for brazenly inflicting violent attacks and malicious damage on the offices of individuals or organizations with divergent political views, remaining oblivious to the safety of others' life and properties, and also stifling the freedom to political expression, in an attempt to silence them through political intimidation and undermine election fairness.

President, the public hope that the SAR Government can take expeditious actions to stop violence and curb disorder, so as to ensure the fair, impartial and safe conduct of the election. Every one of us must do his utmost in order to bring forth the safe and orderly conduct of the election. Over the past few days, we have seen how some well-intentioned individuals are attacked in the course of LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2077 removing bricks and miscellaneous items from the streets. This is really very saddening to us because even those who cherish Hong Kong very dearly have been attacked in the course of cleaning up Hong Kong.

President, I hope that the Government can lead the task of stopping all forms of violence before all else. At the same time, it should also stop rioters from committing such unlawful acts as road blockade and arson. I would like to make an appeal here. If violent protesters refuse to stop what they are doing on the streets, the safe and orderly conduct of the election will become an impossibility. Besides, many people do not dare to go out these days, to speak less of going out to cast their votes. Some people say that they even do not dare to go out for grocery shopping on weekends, in particular. If they even do not dare to do so, how will they dare to go out to cast their votes? The Government and Secretary Patrick NIP must really step up their efforts within the next two days.

BPA hopes to see the fair and impartial conduct of the election as scheduled, while also wishing that the 4.13 million voters in Hong Kong could express their views and smoothly elect their desired district representatives with their votes under normal and peaceful circumstances. The expression of views through our votes is always more desirable than by violence.

President, I think that if the Government is a responsible one, it must take more decisive and effective measures for stopping violence and curbing disorder. So, I hope that the Government can put forth more effective measures and a better response proposal to avert the risk of attacks on and interference with candidates and polling stations along with road blockade. And I also hope that it can adopt effective safety measures to the best of its ability to ensure the smooth conduct of the election. In fact, the Government's attempt to ensure road and city safety should not be confined only to these two weeks due to the conduct of election. In the days to come, the Government must curb all those acts of obstructing roads and interfering with railway operation on a daily basis. This is the only way to restore stability to Hong Kong and return a peaceful life to us all.

President, let me make this appeal just one last time: I wish everybody a fair and impartial polling day, while urging those trouble-makers to stop causing trouble that very day.

President, I so submit.

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MRS REGINA IP (in Cantonese): President, with just a few days left before the polling day of the District Council ("DC") Election, please allow me to spend some time looking back at the history of DC.

I was transferred from the City District Office of Mong Kok to the New Territories Administration in autumn 1980, and the then Secretary for the New Territories was Sir David AKERS-JONES, who passed away recently. I was in charge of community affairs then but shortly after the transfer, the New Territories Administration was merged with City District Offices to form the City and New Territories Administration, with Sir David AKERS-JONES appointed as the Secretary for City and New Territories Administration. He instructed his subordinates to enhance district administration by restructuring the then District Advisory Board into the District Board, the predecessor body of DC, and enacting relevant legislation to give the District Board more resources and power. Elections for the District Board were then conducted with the first one held in 1982 for the New Territories, and subsequently for other districts in urban areas. The Urban Council election was later reformed also to expand its democratic element. The original intention of adopting the measures mentioned above was to strengthen the coordination of various government departments at district level, and provide the people with better services through elected representatives.

The New People's Party has maintained a very close relationship with DC, and our member SO Shiu-shing should be one of the most senior DC members in Hong Kong as he has been serving DC since 1982. We therefore attach very great importance to the DC Election to be held on 24 November. Although the New People's Party is just a small political party, we will strive to do our best in the upcoming election. We have been training up new talents since 2015 with a view to providing the best services to residents in various districts, and it is our hope that we can win more seats to further enhance our services to the people.

Most regrettably, since the outbreak of the disturbances arising from the proposed legislative amendments, a wave of violence has swept through Hong Kong and dealt a heavy blow to our political system, and in particular we have seen an increasing level of violence in recent months. As the President is aware, physical scuffles or political bickering are common during elections, and we are prepared to see and handle such things. However, we are really very much worried about the violence used in some recent cases, especially after we have seen some very shocking scenes. For example, a person having a quarrel with rioters was suddenly splashed with gasoline or thinner, and his entire body was LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2079 then turned into a fireball when a fire was set on him. In another case, an innocent cleaning worker was killed by a flying brick. I do not think these are deliberate attacks launched by rioters, but they have perhaps done so in a fit of rage.

Nevertheless, these tragedies have become so common that we cannot even conduct community visits to approach voters, because there is every chance for us to offend other people, who may suddenly approach us with a knife and stab us, just like what happened to Mr Junius HO in an assassination style. Yet, I think the attack should be a planned one, but there was also the possibility that it was purely an action taken out of a moment of anger. If we were splashed with gasoline and set on fire, would we not be turned into a fireball? It would also be very dangerous if we were hit by a flying brick or shot by an arrow.

As Mr Jeffrey LAM has said, some people very much wish to help clearing barricades on roads, and I was told by a voter living in Baguio Villa that as many barricades had been erected in Pok Fu Lam, he did try to help clear up miscellaneous objects like bricks on the road. In the course of doing so, he engaged in physical scuffles with some people and got his foot hurt by some falling objects. All these have caused much worries among those who are involved in community services, or those who have to conduct community visits very frequently to conduct canvassing activities. It can thus be seen that it will indeed be very difficult to conduct a fair election under the current circumstances.

As far as the New People's Party is concerned, although our party can in no way compare with the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong in terms of membership, more than 10 of our district offices were vandalized, especially the one in Sheung Shui. This may be due to the fact that our candidate running in that constituency has performed exceptionally well―his election opponent is Mr LAM Cheuk-ting―and his office has thus been set on fire thrice. The most frightening fact is that as units on the upper floors of his office are used for residential purpose, the consequences would be unthinkable if the fire got out of control and spread to these residential units.

As a result of these incidents, many of our candidates do not even dare to set up street booths. Since the outbreak of the disturbances arising from the proposed legislative amendments, our candidates were encircled and verbally abused indiscriminately and ceaselessly by people using foul language whenever they conducted community visits, and this has discouraged many young 2080 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

(especially female) candidates who are passionate about serving the community from taking part in such visits and setting up street booths, which have virtually disappeared for quite a number of days. Things got even more horrible these days when, for example, the office of WONG Ka-wing, a members of our party and the DC member representing City One Shatin, was encircled and he was prevented from leaving for a few hours. He managed to leave only after he finally reported the case to the Police. The incident has dealt a heavy psychological blow to him but fortunately, being a person with determination and rich experience, he is able to deal with the matter and has therefore not indicated to me a wish to withdraw from the election.

However, the disturbances arising from the proposed legislative amendments have resulted in the loss of two DC seats for the New People's Party with a DC member in Tseung Kwan O deciding to withdraw from the party, another party member serving in Tin Shui Wai of Yuen Long told me that she would not only withdraw from the party but also give up running in the upcoming DC Election. In other words, she wanted to end her political career, and this is because she has witnessed the incident in which rioters vandalized Mr Junius HO's office first, and then her office too. She admitted to me that she was not as tough as me, and she had cried a lot for this in her assistant's arms. She had an illness but she did not want anyone to know it, so she asked to meet me quietly in a park to reveal the truth to me in tears. This was how I lost another outstanding and young party member.

We find these violent incidents really terrifying, as a result, all of us, including Ms YUNG Hoi-yan and I myself, have to be exceptionally careful when we conduct community visits. We should not mistakenly think that pregnant women would definitely be safe, because from what we saw on television and in some video clips, there were suspected pregnant women and ladies being pushed onto the ground, and all of these have reflected the abnormalities in the DC Election held this year. People, at least I myself, simply do not dare to speak in public through a microphone, and our candidates dare not ask Chinese restaurants and catering outlets with which we have developed a cordial relationship to display our promotional posters in their premises for fear that their premises will be vandalized. We must also exercise great care in choosing the venues for taking breaks during our electioneering activities because we do not wish to get anyone into trouble, and there is also a need to avoid the risk of being attacked.

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President, we are indeed facing a very difficult situation. Although we have written to the Secretary through our legal representative to elaborate the dilemma we are facing and have been given a long reply, the Secretary has not provided us with any clear guarantee in this respect, and has made it clear how candidates can launch their electioneering campaign under a genuinely fair environment. We were told by many volunteers that they dared not walk down the street. Some voters (especially those of a more advanced age) also asked us what they should do on the polling day, and whether they would be exposed to any danger on that day. Some voters with social standing even asked if they would be identified when they went to vote at polling stations, and whether they should respond to exit polls on leaving the stations. Once people with social standing are identified, they will be regarded as supporters on the "blue ribbon" side, and the votes they cast will only benefit the pro-establishment camp.

President, let me tell you that worse still, even my daughter has asked me not to assist in electioneering activities conducted in neighborhood areas, because she did not want to become an orphan. I have of course told her that the situation was probably not that bad, and her mother would be extremely careful. As a matter of fact, it is actually not possible for me to stay too long in one single location when attending electioneering activities now, because soon after my arrival, I will often be encircled and someone will swear at me with foul language, asking me to leave and saying that there is no place for me there. People simply want to drive me away. There was once a tall young men pointing at and cursing me, and I hurriedly left the scene when I saw him making a call with his mobile phone. When engaging in canvassing activities, I will try to pay as much attention as possible to the people and the environment around me, and will even stand with my back against the wall to avoid the risk of being splashed with liquid or stabbed with a knife.

When compared with Bureau Directors who are sitting in air-conditioned offices, and government officials who are provided with full protection when they go on community visits, what kind of protection do we have? There are suggestions that we should seek the assistance of the Police, but I understand that the Police have been stretched to the limit, and we will therefore refrain from bothering the Police with such trivial matters. We are provided with no protection at all when we go on community visits, and can only rely on the company of our volunteers (i.e. those who are bold enough to go with us). Hence, the current situation is very difficult for the pro-establishment camp. 2082 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

That said, President, we will strive to do our best because we understand that in the upcoming election, more than 4 million voters who have the right to vote, 18 DCs and 452 DC members are involved. If we cannot hold the election, there will be no DC member serving the public, while 452 DC members and their assistants will be rendered jobless, and this will be a very huge shock to Hong Kong.

The Chief Executive has stated publicly that the DC Election will not be cancelled, and she was of course telling the truth, because there is no such thing as cancellation of an election under the laws of Hong Kong. I have looked up the laws and find that―I hope the Secretary will correct me if I am wrong―the Government is only allowed to postpone an election under the law, is that right? However, it is not desirable to simply postpone the election, and the most important thing is to protect our safety as well as create a fair and just environment, in which voters can set their minds at rest and vote, candidates can set their minds at rest and launch their electioneering campaign, while leaders of political parties can conduct community visits for canvassing purpose. I hope the Secretary will respond to our aspirations and give us more assurance in this respect when he speaks.

I so submit.

MR TOMMY CHEUNG (in Cantonese): President, I speak in support of the adjournment motion. We should discuss this urgent agenda item first because the District Council ("DC") Election will be held this Sunday, but many uncertainties may still affect the fairness of the election and the safety of the candidates and the people who intend to vote in different districts. As a matter of priority, the Government should ensure that the election can be held in a fair and just manner and it should also answer our queries and address our concerns in this adjournment motion debate today.

As a matter of fact, the Liberal Party has actively participated in the DC elections over the years. But we encounter an unprecedented challenge this year. We are faced with unprecedented violence, which seriously undermines the freedom of speech in Hong Kong. In preparation for the election, the candidates of our party, like past practices, posted election campaign posters at restaurants and shops in their constituencies after obtaining the owners' approval. This is a common practice. But recently, when some extreme activists saw our LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2083 posters, they warned the restaurant and shop owners to remove the posters down and replace them with posters of our adversaries. If the owners refused to do so, they would vandalize their restaurants or shops. Is this fair? Is this just? Is this something that should happen in a civilized society?

Our candidates are concerned about the personal safety of the owners. They do not want to see their restaurants or shops to be vandalized. Similarly, setting up street booths is equally horrifying. In my opinion, this is another kind of violence. Shops posting posters may be vandalized. People expressing opinions may be mobbed and beaten. This is totally unacceptable. People of different political stances should enjoy freedom without fear. Can the Government and the Secretary give us a guarantee and how they are going to give this guarantee?

Candidates cannot conduct election campaigns in a normal environment. Besides, in the two weeks running up to the polling day on 24 November, clashes have broken out in different districts causing traffic paralysis, and public facilities such as roads, railings and traffic lights have been vandalized. The Government has indicated that the election will only be held as scheduled if there is no violent protest, no intimidation, no blocked tunnels, no vandalized public transport facility and no attack on polling stations on the day of the election; and that the authorities have reserved a date as a backup for voting. However, there are still many uncertainties which may affect the DC Election.

Over the past two weeks, we have seen bricks being thrown, smoke-permeated air and barricaded main roads. Despite the Government's announcement that the DC Election will be held as scheduled, to date, only three days to the polling day, we have yet to see any specific measures formulated or any guarantee given to the public by the Government that they are safe to vote on the polling day. I thus hold that the Government should make use of this adjournment debate to let the Secretary brief us on the latest status.

From nomination to election campaign and then to the polling day, I believe candidates of different political camps have been wary. It is because people cannot tolerate different opinions. In the past few months, candidates of different political camps found they posters being vandalized. At their street booths, they have been confronted or hurled abusive words by people of opposite views. In some cases, they even ended up in scuffles. The election is not a fair one from the start because the Government cannot even guarantee the most basic element, which is the personal safety of the people.

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I believe the Government is already aware of an online appeal, which urges people to cast their votes in the morning of the polling day and threatens that they will stir up troubles in the afternoon to stop people from going to vote or harass their opposing candidates. How will the Government ensure that people of different political stances can cast their votes on that day without running into any trouble? In this connection, will the authorities make specific security and traffic arrangements for the polling day? If protests break out or people are intimidated on that day, will the polling be stopped immediately? The Government must provide an answer to all of the questions above. I thus support this adjournment motion, so that we can discuss how to tackle these pressing problems first.

I believe many people earnestly wish to exercise their civic right this Sunday. A relative of mine, who originally needed to attend an overseas wedding banquet, chose to buy an additional plane ticket, so that he can return to Hong Kong on 23 November and go to vote on 24 November. This relative of mine have been indifferent to politics. I thus come to the understanding that many people are looking forward to using their votes to choose the representatives for their constituencies. Hence, in this respect, can the Government restore public confidence and ensure that they can go to polling stations safely and then return home in one piece?

In these past months, the Liberal Party has been cooperating with the Government's arrangements. We very much respect the election. Election is a civilized system. People should be able to express their views with their votes. Here, I call on different sectors of society to treat the election with a rational attitude and stop all kinds of violence. I thus agree with this adjournment motion. I hope that before the end of this motion debate, the Government can address the concerns of the Members here and restore the peace of mind to the people. Frankly, I do not have a crystal ball to predict what will happen this Sunday. But the Liberal Party and I will hold fast to our position, and we will say "No" to violence.

I heard Mrs Regina IP describe just now how her party has been affected. Perhaps our party is a little luckier than hers. But actually, since a few months ago, her party, as well as many Members here (especially those who are also District Council members), have had repeated experiences of their offices being criminally damaged. Recently, I heard of a horrible case. The office of a District Council member was thrown petrol bombs. The rioters did not bother LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2085 whether there was anyone in the office at that time. They just threw the petrol bombs in. Luckily, there was no one inside at that time. But the office was burnt down.

Back in 1985, I was yet to be a politician. At that time, a District Officer asked me whether I was interested in standing for the then District Board election. Since then, I paid more attention to elections. After observing years of elections and participating in the District Council elections on behalf of the Liberal Party, I come to the knowledge that the Regional Crime Unit of the Police Force will investigate many activities we now find, including the violent incidents mentioned above, and this was a practice started long time ago.

Up till this minute, no candidate of any political parties has asked me to act as their canvasser. But in the past, even when I was not the party chair and was only an ordinary party member, I was asked by other party members to canvass support for them; and some even asked me to stump for them or asked me to join them at their street booths to canvass support for them. All of them wanted me to help and I could not spare time for all of them. However, for this election, so far no party member has asked me to canvass support or campaign for them at street booths. Only one candidate, who belongs to a friendly political party who stands for the election at the district where I live, had asked me for help and I agreed. However, on the agreed day, he told me he had another matter to handle and had to reschedule the campaign.

The Police would categorize this kind of intimidations, which seek to generate fear in a person, as criminal intimidations; and the Regional Crime Unit would be responsible for investigating these cases. But now, people who take to the street to brawl are masked. They are afraid of no one. My party members were time and again intimidated and we encountered many problems when campaigning at street booths. My party members did not ask for my help in the end not because they wanted to hurt my dignity or because they thought that I would drive away voters, but because they were concerned about my safety. And frankly, I am also concerned about their safety and I am worried that my presence may bring them troubles, just like the case of Mrs Regina IP. I believe many party leaders here (including Mr CHAN Hak-kan, Ir Dr LO Wai-kwok, etc, and also Mr WONG Kwok-kin whom I think may have encountered a bigger problem in this respect) may run into a similar problem when they stump for candidates at street booths.

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Hence, when many friends, colleagues or even the staff members at my office asked me whether I would support the District Council Election, I asked them in return what I said in the start of my speech, and that is, whether the election should only be pressed ahead if it was held in a fair and just manner. And they all answered "Yes". Then I asked them further whether in the past few months … not to mention the coming few days because we do not even know what will happen … I asked them whether there was any fairness and justice in the things happened in the past few months. In the past, restaurants which posted promotion posters on the street would be issued summons by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. But now, all sorts of messages are posted on Lennon Walls across town expressing support to pan-democratic candidates and smearing anyone who is not in their camp and even writing abusive words against them. Is this fair? Is this just?

Just now, I said that shops did not dare to post our posters, and we are fine with it. We do not even lodge a complaint with the Registration and Electoral Office ("REO"). In the past, we would definitely report these incidents to REO, and REO would tackle these incidents. But now, we do not dare to complain. Why? We do not want these small business operators whose shops or restaurants have, luckily enough, not yet been subject to vandalism will become the target and cannot operate their business because they have posted our posters. Otherwise, the operators will suffer losses and their employees will lose their jobs, and their personal safety will also be jeopardized.

As Mrs Regina IP pointed out just now, there are people living on the floors above some of their party members' offices. Likewise, there are residents living in the floors above many of our offices. We do not want to affect the lives of the people in the neighbourhood and disturb their peace. They are so worried and scared. Can we still say that the election is fair? A friend told me today that he did not even have the freedom to wear black sweaters and trousers. He does not dare to do so. Does this show that our society is harmonious, reasonable and civilized?

We, the pro-establishment camp, will observe the law on the election. We study the law carefully. We invite the Independent Commission Against Corruption to come and explain all the related ordinances to us. But now, we do not even know the background of the opposing candidates, and whether they have any political party backup. They ignore the ordinances and publicly pursue acts of destruction. Secretary, the pro-establishment Members are not saying that we LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2087 will do the same as they did. We will not spend a few months vandalizing our opponents' offices or posters. We will not do that. But Secretary, you must clearly tell us how, in the coming few days, you will ensure that our voters can vote and go home safely.

MS ELIZABETH QUAT (in Cantonese): President, the current District Council ("DC") Election is no longer a fair, just and safe election.

So far in the run-up to the election, no candidate has been able to carry out electioneering normally. There is no way for us, as representatives of political parties, to normally campaign for candidates in every district. Over the past few months, violence has escalated, seriously hampering the work of DCs and the ongoing electioneering activities. Our biggest concern now is the safety of all the candidates, volunteers, and even electors on the election day. Since the nomination for the DC Election began in October, many districts have seen harassment and intimidation towards candidates, campaigning teams and even electors. Black terror has pervaded all society in an attempt to scare off candidates and electors. Many pro-establishment Members, including myself, have been intimidated and doxxed on the Internet. The doxxers have threatened to burn our homes and kill our whole families. Our candidates, supporters and campaigning teams have all been doxxed. Many candidates have to move homes or stay in hotels just to avoid such intimidation.

We have seen many cases of harm to candidates as well. Some ward offices have been vandalized and targeted with petrol bombs. Not a single banner remains intact in the streets because each and every one of them has been repeatedly torn down. Now there is no place at all to hang them. People with different political views were previously just verbally abused, but now they are easily subjected to shoving, harassment and even beating. Many of our candidates are worried about the safety of their campaigning teams. In fact, it is now possible to set up street booths only for a short while in the morning. It is already dangerous to come out in the afternoon, and it is even impossible to carry out any campaigning activities in the evening.

For every election, it is only natural to hold some large-scale election rallies, campaign rallies, mobilization rallies and so on, but now almost none can be held, and they have been called off in most of the districts. In normal campaigning activities, many shops will certainly help out by putting up posters 2088 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 so that the public know when to vote, but how can the posters be put up now? We have also seen many people call for removing the identity cards from all elderly people, or holding many free tours to send them away, so that they cannot vote on that day. All of these acts will affect the election outcome. Besides, in the streets, whether on bridges or on the ground, we see posters posted everywhere to denigrate, smear and insult candidates to the greatest extent. All of these acts violate electoral laws. With no regard to law and order, they pose a very serious challenge to the entire electoral system and the rule of law in Hong Kong.

The candidates seem getting used to being attacked, as we see every day that attacks are commonplace. Some teams are often verbally abused and then physically shoved in the streets, are they not? For example, a candidate from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong ("DAB") was beaten up in Tai Wai. A volunteer received two punches in Sha Tin. When a candidate for the Tung Wah Constituency was setting up a street booth, the flags were repeatedly removed by others and thrown onto the road. A candidate in Tuen Mun district was even targeted with a petrol bomb. President, yesterday a candidate was pummelled by 10 secondary school students in school uniforms. Outrageously, it was secondary school students in school uniforms who besieged and beat him up causing injuries. Going forward, how can the candidates continue to set up street booths? And that is without mentioning Mr Junius HO. As we all know, he was directly stabbed once and almost killed. Now, it is very risky to set up a street booth.

I often want to go to neighbourhoods to campaign for the candidates, but every time I am there, the residents in the neighbourhood urge me to leave as soon as possible, saying that it is very dangerous and they are afraid of not being able to protect me. Many candidates also tell me definitely not to come. Even if I just stand there a while for a "flash" appearance, I will be captured on camera and then some folks will come. The candidates or their volunteer teams, if not us, may be besieged, so they find it even more dangerous. As a result, the whole electioneering process cannot proceed. So, what should we do? What we feel most fearful and worried about now is that the candidates do not find it possible to reach out to electors without standing on the streets, do they? They cannot inform and call on electors to come out and vote, but standing in the streets is risky to their lives. Standing alone will be dangerous, but if they engage volunteers to stand together, it will be very dangerous even to the volunteers, so how many volunteers should they ask to come and stand? Two? Ten?

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To be honest, as members of political parties, we do not want to see anyone get hurt, no matter which camp they belong to or what political views they hold, but we are more worried that the candidates and volunteers will get hurt. A candidate told us, while crying, that as his wife and children were young, his wife asked him not to stand for election. She asked whether he could quit and why he had to do it. Every time he goes out, there is no guarantee that he will be able to go home safe. Why is it necessary in today's Hong Kong to risk one's life to stand for election in order to serve society?

Some of our volunteers have helped us for almost two decades. In every electioneering campaign, they leave home before dawn to work with us. In so many years, they have never been so scared as they are now. We have faced many crises together. President, safety, rather than winning or losing, is the biggest issue. How can we guarantee the safety of every volunteer who is standing in the street? If they suffer from any injury, how do we give back a father, a mother or a husband to their family? If a misfortune happens to a candidate, how can we proffer an explanation to his wife, children or spouse? As many members of DAB are standing for election, we are in deep fear and worry every day. When our mobile phones receive messages on a daily basis that someone has been beaten or has probably experienced a misfortune, we are scared. It is beyond our imagination how this election can be described as fair and just.

DAB has already had more than 100 offices vandalized, set on fire, splattered with graffiti, and broken into causing damage. Those people were so clever as to deliberately cut the telephone lines, Internet cables and whatnot. How can we contact the electors? We can neither make phone calls nor set up street booths. Nowadays many people even refuse to answer phone calls from strangers. We cannot use the office phones to contact electors, inform them and remind them to vote. Even these things cannot be done. Is it not outrageous?

In addition, after the burning down of the ward offices, which provide services for the public, we are unable not just to carry out the electioneering activities, but even to provide general services. Many of our candidates or DC members currently have to set tables and chairs out in front of the burnt-down ward offices. They sit in the street to serve the neighbourhood, even risking their lives. What should they do if they are targeted with petrol bombs again while sitting there? Who can compensate for their lives?

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We had tried to repair the offices, but afterwards they were vandalized again. Some offices have been vandalized eight to nine times, and set on fire three times, even though there are residential units above them. How can they do such things? Now that the offices have been vandalized, we have to spend money to buy new equipment and carry out repair works. Some of us have already given up. Besides, we have to keep replacing the banners. The printed posters cannot be put up now, because we dare not ask the shops for help, fearing that they will be vandalized. In the past, taxis and minibuses were plastered on all sides with posters of the candidates. Who dare to do so now? In other cases, some candidates told us that their minibuses were originally plastered with posters, but when they wanted to replace the posters that had been torn down, the minibus company advised them not to do so for fear that the minibuses would be vandalized. While it is not even possible to put up posters, we have to deal afresh with these broken banners and stuff. Should flexibility be given to the election expenses?

On the other hand, while a number of ward offices have been vandalized and burnt, have any arrests been made? Has anyone been punished? How can we prevent such incidents from happening again? No, no one cares. Now the Government is telling me that this election is fair, just and safe. Who will believe it? Many electors have asked us how they can vote on the election day. Quite simply, if some black-clad people wander the streets on that day, they will not dare to go out.

President, with the election still days away, we see no sign of reduction in street violence. We only see more and more petrol bombs, more and more people blocking roads, and more and more candidates and volunteers being harassed and beaten up. What will happen on the election day? Will it be the same as now? Our candidates will have to stand in the streets from 7:00 am, or earlier from 6:00 am, until 10:30 pm on that day. Afterwards, there will be volunteers in the polling stations to assist in monitoring the counting of votes. How can the candidates' safety be ensured throughout the process? As they will be standing in the streets all day long, will the authorities arrange bodyguards for us? Will there be anyone to protect us? Even now, we cannot figure out how to stand safely in the streets. If we do not stand in the streets, how can we canvass electors?

I should have travelled across the districts to help with election campaigns, but now all the candidates have asked me not to go because they cannot guarantee LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2091 my safety. What should I do? I have not seen the Government do anything to protect us. President, this is not a problem that has not arisen until today. It has been a while since we raised the issue. Before nomination, we had already seen this situation. After nomination, the situation worsened and nothing improved at all. If the Government does not put in place sufficient safeguard measures, what should we do in case of more incidences of violence on that day? Some opposition figures say that such remarks frequently made by the pro-establishment camp are intimidation, and those attacks and assaults are scripted, directed and performed by the latter. Mr Junius HO was stabbed once and almost killed. Was it an act scripted, directed and performed by himself? Why do they not try to get themselves stabbed once or stab themselves once?

They also say that, for fear of losing, we do not want an election and have asked for its cancellation. Once again I reiterate that DAB has never asked for the postponement or cancellation of the election. President, what we ask for is a fair, just, safe and impartial election. All of our candidates have served the districts for many years. They are not "carpetbagging" candidates. We have done a lot for the districts, shedding sweat and tears, and now even blood. We hope for a fair and just election which enables electors to express their views by casting their vote. We are more concerned about the vote counting process. As we all know, there will be several ballot boxes. When the ballot papers stack up high, the opposition may feel that the balance is tipped against them and they will lose. Will they disrupt the polling station? Will they hurt the Presiding Officer? How can the Government properly handle such circumstances? (The buzzer sounded)

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms Elizabeth QUAT, please stop speaking.

MR HO KAI-MING (in Cantonese): President, before all else, I would like to declare that I am a candidate running in the District Council ("DC") Election.

President, I will be more than happy to have the election tomorrow. This is much better than having it on Sunday. The earlier the election is held, the earlier I can take the load off my mind. Or rather, I should say, Hong Kong people are eager to have a fair opportunity to express their own views, instead of "being represented" for their views.

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In the past few months, a lot of people have said this and that about Hong Kong people, but what are the actual thoughts of Hong Kong people? Now, this is something barely known to anyone as no one in society dare to speak out their own thoughts. Some may suggest referring to public opinion surveys. Well, I believe no one is bold enough to speak their heart out while being interviewed for a public opinion survey because they have no idea how the interviewers get their phone numbers and why they are asked to answer those questions, not to mention whether they will suffer from harassment afterwards. Therefore, voting in the election―particularly the DC Election this time round―is the earnest hope of many people.

If you ask me whether I, as an incumbent DC member, am afraid of suffering a defeat, I can tell you that I am both afraid and unafraid of that. I am afraid of defeat, naturally because of a personal factor―I am an incumbent DC member. I am unafraid of defeat because it is only normal for people to choose another candidate if they have changed their mind and are no longer in favour of the stance and attitude that I represent as an incumbent DC member. This is what an election is all about. As the saying goes, "If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." I am not afraid of losing the election. The election result is a reflection of people's demands and voters' thinking. So, whatever the result, I have no problem with it. It is just something normal. Nevertheless, the greatest problem with this election is that some people deliberately impose a particular view on everyone.

President, Hong Kong is a pluralistic society in which individual members of the public have different views. While some of them will prioritize political issues over everything else, I would ask them not to forget that some others will give a higher priority to housing, environmental, transport, estate management issues, or issues that they want someone to help address than to political issues. This is what Hong Kong has been all along as a pluralistic society. Everyone can make their own choices according to their preferences. Some people support a candidate because that candidate has assisted in the handling of their cases, while some vote for a particular candidate because of the candidate's ample experience in handling housing management issues. Also, some will cast their votes for a candidate who can represent their political stance, hoping that this candidate will speak for them in the legislature. All these are okay as this is what an election should be like and it shows Hong Kong's pluralism.

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However, President, we think the most terrifying and worrying part of this election is that there is a group of people, a kind of force … they attempt to force a view on all Hong Kong people. If you refuse to follow this view―obviously, it is their political demand―drown out this view, or dissent from it, they will silence you. Here, I am not referring to merely the old man who was set alight earlier and those who were subjected to vigilante attacks. Ordinary members of the public who have expressed their views on the Internet may also be silenced.

President, residents in my constituency rely on one MTR station entrance/exit which was installed with several long escalators for public use. Earlier, someone caused damage to this entrance/exit by pouring water at it. The motors inside those escalators thus conked out and require repairs that will take some time. Also, some buses stopped running because of road closures. Without MTR and bus services, many people were unable to go out. While it was still possible to get into the MTR station, people would have to walk down 340 stair steps before they could get in. Some people may think … As I observed, in certain large public online chat groups concerning my constituency, when some people stated that it was exhausting to climb those 340 stair steps, they were instantly subjected to group attacks and spamming. "The more steps you walk, the healthier you are. Walk 8 000 more steps and you will be healthier. I have not done any exercise for a few decades and here comes a chance now. It is no big deal to walk 340 stair steps." Apparently, this type of comments represents the view of those who are relatively young, and it is the dominating view in the large public online chat groups.

President, I tell you what, I still set up street booths without flinching as I would like to listen to people's views directly. While working at my street booth, I was told by many residents that their elderly family members aged between 70 and 80 were not the only ones who were unable to go out. For the elderly persons, climbing these 340 stair steps is definitely a tough challenge. What are they supposed to do when it is necessary to climb these hundred-odd stair steps to go out and do the same again to return home? Even for those aged between 50 and 60, and the middle-aged who are in employment, their knees may not be able to endure the loads from walking up and down these hundred-odd stair steps every day. In fact, this is a very basic view among members of the public, but still it has been silenced. Voices of complaints can be silenced, not to mention the voices expressing the hope for social stability and peace in Hong Kong. On the Internet, people expressing this kind of views will be subjected to frenzied attacks and even get kicked out of a chat group. While this is what we 2094 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 have currently observed in society and on the Internet, it is different from the views I heard from people in the community. They wish to tell the entire society of Hong Kong what kind of living they need through this election.

President, I believe, whoever has run in an election should have the electioneering experience of speaking to residents in a building block using a microphone on the street and therefore should know that it is normal to hear someone scolding and shouting back in response. Just as people said, everyone has their own enemies. If you have got scolding and shouting from the residents when conducting canvassing activities with a microphone, it means they have heard what you said. It is really normal that we hold different political views. I have never experienced the situation where people would throw things at me from height before. But on the last occasion when I conducted a canvassing activity with a microphone at a housing estate in my constituency, someone threw two water bottles, a pack of juice, and two eggs down from the upstairs. Obviously, that person knew that I had not had my breakfast yet, so he or she treated me to breakfast. This kind of threat and intimidation … Of course, for people like me who stand for election, we have long been psychologically prepared that we would encounter this kind of situation. A week later, one of my volunteers told me that his shoulder was hit by an object thrown down, but he did not tell me about it at that time. When I asked him whether he wanted to make a report to the Police, he answered that it was not necessary as the bruise had already faded after a week.

Can the electoral legislation be enforced during this election? The fairness of an election depends on whether our electoral legislation―the rules of this game―can be enforced. President, I do not have much confidence that the electoral legislation can be enforced this time round, because our law has been thoroughly affected by the mentality of achieving justice by violating the law. Everyone no longer … Some people have already refused to comply with any legislation, knowing only their own aspirations without any regard of the long-standing legislation or game rules at all. Therefore, how can we ensure the fairness of the election if we cannot even defend this line?

President, an election not only involves the efforts made by the Registration and Electoral Office or the Electoral Affairs Commission ("ECA"), but also the enforcement of the electoral legislation by a number of departments, including the Independent Commission Against Corruption ("ICAC"), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department ("FEHD"), the Home Affairs LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2095

Department ("HAD"), the Police Force, the Housing Department and the Lands Department. I just wonder how many times ECA has spoken up for this election since we made our applications to stand for the election? As for ICAC, in the past, even if you missed out a few cents in the calculation of election expenses, they could keep pestering you for months or even a year in order to thoroughly investigate all the accounts. May I ask ICAC whether they have taken the initiative to conduct an investigation into this election, seeing that so many advertisements focusing on certain candidates' … aiming at promoting certain candidates' chances of being elected are there on the streets? Regarding the irresponsible behaviour of FEHD, I do not wish to mention it again, because the situation as seen around the streets is self-explanatory. For HAD, what have been done by either the District Officers or the Liaison Officers of various districts? As regards HD, earlier at some places managed by HD, some street booths were set up without prior application and some assemblies were also held without prior application. I know that the reason for HD to let people do so is to avoid stirring up trouble and causing clashes. But then, how is it going to convince members of the public that there will be a fair and impartial election with this approach of non-enforcement of the law and inaction? And I have yet to mention the anonymous letters we received in a number of constituencies. Those letters contain various accusations against the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions ("FTU"), the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, and their targets of accusations include "Brother Elephant" who is not running in this election. I have no idea why the sender has put in the letters some photos of "Brother Elephant"―He happens to be here now―well, you know, "Brother Elephant" is actually full of vigour, but the sender deliberately chose one or two screen captures of him. It is not certain how many households have been sent these photos of "Brother Elephant", so … Now that someone has resorted to this tactic of sending anonymous letters, have our law enforcement departments done anything to enforce our electoral legislation?

Secretary, President, if our electoral legislation is not enforced, and our law enforcement departments fail to tell people that they will strictly adhere to the law in the enforcement of the electoral legislation, how can we, members of the public, have confidence that this election will be fair? What is worse, on the day of election, will there be someone to ensure the effective enforcement of the relevant electoral legislation? President, I do not want the Secretary to tell me that it will be done by the Police, because the Police is merely 30 000 strong while there are some 400 constituencies in Hong Kong. The Police simply have insufficient manpower to be deployed to all polling stations to monitor the 2096 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 situation and ensure the safety of the stations. Moreover, how can we ensure that no one will enter the No Canvassing Zones in the polling stations to canvass for votes? Do the authorities intend to rely solely on those civil servants working as temporary personnel to sweat blood for you? The Government simply cannot require them to do so. Then, who should be responsible for enforcing the law or electoral rules relating to the No Canvassing Zones? What will the authorities do to ensure that the polling stations will be free from vandalism? Secretary, it appears to me that the Bureau does not have any comprehensive plan to ensure the smooth running of the election, so … I hope various law enforcement departments … As we have already enacted relevant legislation, our elections should be conducted according to this set of rules, so as to enable us to have a relatively fair environment―because there is no such thing as absolute fairness―and this set of rules will allow us to have equal opportunities to voice our views. I hope the Secretary can devise a more comprehensive plan, so that people can be carefree while going out to vote and expressing their views. This is something they want to do the most.

President, recently, a saying has come back to me, and I have a myriad of thoughts whenever I think of it. It is a saying by MAO Zedong: "From the masses, to the masses." Personally, it does not matter whether I win or lose, and I believe this is a common thought among many FTU candidates. We are representatives of a particular view. If this is the kind of view that members of the public refuse to hear or wish to change, we will make no complaint nor have any regret about it. Our stance just remains the same. Ever since the inception of FTU, our stance has always been the same. It is your loss if you do not choose me. All we hope is that members of the public can really express their views as they wish.

We have already prepared for the best- and worst-case scenarios. I hope the Secretary will also do the same as we do, because we can never know what those deliberate troublemakers will do. For the sake of Hong Kong's future development, we hope the Government will stand on the same front with law-abiding members of the public and tell them that the Hong Kong Government has the ability to maintain Hong Kong's development and their rights to express their views as they wish. Secretary, you have both the responsibility and the power to deal with this matter.

Thank you, President.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2097

MR STEVEN HO (in Cantonese): President, I have just listened to Mr HO Kai-ming's eloquent speech, in which he expressed his political beliefs and said that it would be a loss not to vote for him. This is what he said, but I am not an elector in his constituency. However, I believe that today the Secretary has heard a lot of discussion in this Council about many safety issues, traffic problems, possible attacks on many volunteers and so on. Where do these issues actually originate from? In fact, Hong Kong has fallen for a hoax. I read as early as 18 October a news article in a local online newspaper which specifically mentioned a phenomenon that is very reflective of the social situation of Hong Kong, known as quantum speed reading ("QSR"). What is QSR? A group of children conducted a speed reading contest, claiming that they could read 100 000 words in one to five minutes, and remain word-perfect. (Mr Steven HO was quickly flipping a book) Probably like this, the reading was done. Afterwards, the Mainland authorities smashed the fraud syndicate concerned. The current situation in Hong Kong is somewhat similar, but the friend who runs this newspaper in Hong Kong has been questioned by the community as to how anyone would believe such matters to be true. In fact, some people do believe, and the tuition fee is as high as $14,000. The last paragraph said that if you enrolled on this kind of QSR class, you could improve your health, fulfil your wishes, change your life, and even more easily land a concert ticket, win lotteries, get a job, and secure a place in your preferred school. Lastly, you could even develop precognitive ability. There would be plenty of wish fulfilment. There are still people in Hong Kong who laugh at this news, but we have to reflect on ourselves. Without straying so far, we still have telephone deception cases every year, such as "Guess Who". Why do Hong Kong people not reflect on themselves when laughing at others? Why do they not get smarter?

In fact, there are many such fraud cases in the world, which were originally called Ponzi schemes. I believe everybody has heard of many relevant names in the economic sector, i.e. many … They exist even now. For example, they claim to carry out many financing activities, offering a return of up to 30% per month. In the beginning, interest is actually receivable, as in the case of London gold, but eventually someone will abscond with all the money, and then most of the pro-establishment political parties will help with the recovery and examine whether the Government has exercised control. Even if the fraudsters have been arrested, the defrauded money cannot be recovered and the victims will be numerous. Is Hong Kong in a similar situation now? So, I describe the current phenomenon in Hong Kong as a QSR political hoax. Has the Secretary understood what I said? Yes, he has. He is nodding. Why did I say that? In 2098 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 my earlier remarks about QSR, I mentioned a lot of much-vaunted merits. From an overall analysis of these Ponzi schemes and the QSR hoax, I have found many similarities between them. There are three points of commonality in total: First, they would say many incomprehensible theories, but those expressions are music to our ears, for example "achieving justice by violating the law", "talk with you", and "acting alone is an offence; acting together is a revolution". In fact, compared with winning lotteries, getting a job more easily, being able to buy a concert ticket, and eventually realizing universal suffrage and wishes …

MR LUK CHUNG-HUNG (in Cantonese): Making your life more exciting.

MR STEVEN HO (in Cantonese): I will talk about it later. Well said, Mr LUK Chung-hung. Then, they give us a false hope, that is, "having a criminal record will make one's life more exciting". This was what Mr YEUNG said, but afterwards he apologized for it. Let us be fair.

Likewise, former Member Alan LEONG said that violence could be a solution to some problems. This is also a theory. Therefore, the first of the three core principles is to say a whole bunch of incomprehensible theories. The second is to say something that everybody understands a little bit, namely democracy and freedom. Democracy and freedom are good! Universal suffrage is good! Even if Hong Kong's present environment is ruined, we will still have a better future, right? How are they different from "everyone can find their favourite job", "life will be changed" and "health will be improved"? Speed reading can improve health? What are the incomprehensible theories? One is the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which was just enacted in the United States. No one knows what it is. Ninety percent of Hong Kong people do not know what it is. After the Secretary finished his speech, I did not understand what he had said and what impact it had on Hong Kong. Mr CHUNG Kwok-pan understood it. He was able to claim that 5% to 10% of the people would lose their jobs. What else is incomprehensible? Precisely the five demands! None of them is reasonable. They want withdrawal of this and an amnesty for someone. All these are some of the theories that no one can understand after listening to them. In fact, some time ago I asked a secondary school student if he knew what the five demands were. I only asked him to state them without elaboration, but he said there were five demands, no matter what. When the debate was over, he could not win us over. In the end, he said that he LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2099 distrusted the SAR Government, no matter what, and asked: "Is there anything the Communist Party dare not do?" Online video clips show some people smearing blood on their foreheads and saying that tear gas contains a lot of dioxin, but they have said nothing about themselves burning tires. The whole matter is a hoax in itself, but there are always someone who believe it because it gives people a hope. Well, the third core principle is to get huge advantages from these incidents, just like getting a monthly return of 30%. How delightful! The ultimate goal of the whole QSR political hoax mentioned earlier is to achieve democracy and freedom, thereby making our lives more exciting. In spite of the spectre of having a criminal record, the life will be more exciting. Although all the roads in Hong Kong will be ruined, the economy will take off.

I came across a hilarious leaflet when I visited a district. I believe that Mr HO Kai-ming, Mr LUK Chung-hung, Ms YUNG Hoi-yan and other Members from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong have also seen it in neighbourhoods. The leaflet said that, thanks to their campaigning efforts, roads and bridges had been built and repaired here and there, but on the Internet they called on people to occupy the roads, dismantle all facilities and dig up pavement bricks. Distribution of the leaflet was still continuing in recent days. However, some people still believe it. Is this similar to our so-called "Guess Who", which deceives people year in, year out? Those who have fallen for it do not necessarily have low educational attainment. I have reviewed some cases. Among those victims, there are doctors, masters and postgraduates. Therefore, this is consistent with the three points of commonality I just mentioned: First, they say a whole bunch of incomprehensible theories. Second, everybody will understand something, which is music to the ears. Third, someone will get plenty of advantages from it. From this it is evident why, throughout the political movement, Hong Kong people have been incited with "anti-extradition to China" by those opposing the proposed legislative amendments. Apart from Hong Kong's demography and the problems with education that I mentioned last time, it is actually their lack of knowledge about the whole matter that has eventually prompted them to oppose the Government. They spin these incidents to add democracy and freedom into the equation, with a view to bringing down the Government. So, I hope that the SAR Government can have a good knowledge of the whole political situation and deal with it properly. Sometimes, in the face of such hoaxes, the Government will eventually have to bring down and eradicate this criminal syndicate.

2100 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Let us look the other way around, adopting the opposition's mindset. What would they do? They are divided into two factions. Some of them say that the pro-establishment camp does not want the election to be held. I do not rule out that some people do not want the election to be held. That is to say, as things have come to such a pass, the election should not be held. It is hard to predict what people think, but by and large the election should still be held. As what Mr HO Kai-ming suggested earlier, this is the choice of the electors. They voted for him. If they did not vote for him, it would be their loss. If the electors did not vote for him, he would do better at the next election. No matter what, he will not give up his political beliefs. On the contrary, when the opposition launched the movement of opposition to the proposed legislative amendments in the beginning, it did not expect the situation to turn so serious and violent. They had no intention of destroying the whole of Hong Kong, because initially they just wanted to seek political gains from it. They would have absconded with the collected $14,000 tuition fee without hurting themselves. Those who carried out Ponzi schemes ended up in prison for years, some for two, some for five, but they did not have to take any responsibility. Even though saying that having a criminal record will make one's life more exciting, they will not engage in throwing petrol bombs. Even though Mr HUI Chi-fung played a petty trick yesterday by pushing and shoving on the front line―not exactly pushing and shoving, he was just insulting the Police―he did not have to bear any legal consequences. Knowing full well what the bottom line is, he will not do anything that would cause a loss, but he will ask people to make investment, just like the operators of Ponzi schemes asking people to invest by purchasing Americo-Spanish reply coupons, just to earn a few decimal cents. There are only 20 000-odd such coupons in the world, but the money raised can purchase hundreds of millions of them. They are gathering such political capital by betraying the people of Hong Kong, causing those achieving justice by arbitrarily violating the law to be jailed for 10 years for the offence of rioting. They say: "acting alone is an offence; acting together is not an offence, but a revolution", dreaming that they can bluff their way out.

To this day, who have assumed criminal liability in the incident of opposition to the proposed legislative amendments? Even leaving aside the Court's final verdict, the number of arrests among them is very small. Has Mr LUK Chung-hung ever heard of them? Probably not. Those Members are very self-protective. In the Council, whenever we express our intention of accusing them under the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2101

(Cap. 382) of illegally obstructing Members from entering the Chamber, they will immediately return to their seats and then enter the room to beg the President: "Please do not do that. There will be no next time." Once coming out, they will revert to type. They are convinced that the pro-establishment camp and even the President will not shamelessly do such things but just leave well alone in pursuit of appeasement. Sometimes, a concession to them is tantamount to conniving with them. For example, now we have to educate the next generation and protect the children … They call the 20-something children. It does not matter. It is just a title. They have put such moral halos on their heads, and then when the children, as they call them, are prosecuted by the Police for committing a crime, they will say that such actions are bad for the next generation, and even beating is unacceptable. Then, how can we educate the children? Beating is alone unacceptable. They do not even do the educational work that teaches children to take responsibility, and those principals have all knuckled under. The most severe punishment was done by a school principal of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals ("TWGHs") who gave students demerits, but are Hong Kong students studying only in the schools under TWGHs? Is connivance with them an appropriate act of a responsible society? What has the current education landed the children in? Today, acting like lemmings, Members say that their volunteers are faced with great pressure and their personal safety is under threat. This is exactly what I have just said. They can have priority in purchasing concert tickets. They can achieve justice by violating the law. Beating others does not carry any criminal liability. These glamorous words make them unscrupulous.

Yesterday, a friend of ours who had set up a street booth was wantonly beaten by several secondary school students in school uniforms. Why were they wearing school uniforms? It was because they thought that if we prosecuted secondary school students, we would be bullying children. Earlier, District Council member Mr CHEUNG Hang-fai was pelted with petrol bombs. Have the Police arrested anyone? He is now a candidate. I urge the Government to follow up on his case later. I have just mentioned the news about QSR published on the 18th. Even some agencies under the Central Government have eradicated the syndicate and held the persons concerned criminally responsible. Of course, it may not be possible to recover the money lost. However, how much work can the SAR Government do today for the fairness of the whole election? It is really difficult.

2102 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

What I have only seen throughout the period is that Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman Barnabas FUNG avoided all sensitive words, just like the Japanese Emperor making the Jewel Voice Broadcast to announce defeat when Japan lost the war in that very year, only that it is now a ceasefire instead of a surrender. At the briefing session, he gave the audience 30 seconds to ask questions. Even if they failed to ask questions, he would leave work. Then he came out again and said: "Please stop it. We have to be fair and just. If violence emerges, no election will be held." He was merely saying empty words. What substantive measures are in place to give us peace of mind? At this moment, there are not any indeed.

So, some opposition Members pointed out that some pro-establishment people do not want the election to be held. Someone said I was one of them, but I have never said that I do not want the election to be held. What I have said is that I want the election to be held but actually I question whether the Registration and Electoral Office can hold the election as usual on that day. To stop someone from voting, it is unnecessary to very violently grab them. As long as someone has arranged, in one go, forty to fifty black-clad people to walk around in the no canvassing zone, dare anyone walk into the black-clad crowd amid the current social atmosphere? Surely none. Alternatively, when electors walk by, (Mr Steven HO raised his right hand, with the palm open) a bunch of people raise their hands like I do. Dare the electors go over there? They have not attacked the electors. Even leaving aside something so serious as blowing up the MTR, when the votes are finally counted by district, (Mr Steven HO mimicked reading out the votes) "number one, Steven HO; number two, the opponent; number one, Steven HO; number one, Steven HO; number one, Steven HO". When my pile of votes is so high and the opponent's is so low, I would have sprayed ink too if I were in his position. Would I still wait for the Presiding Officer's announcement? Just by throwing ink, let alone petrol bombs, one can make those votes completely invalid.

Therefore, this form of election in Hong Kong is apt for peaceful and rational people. When society has become irrational, it may not be able to achieve the desired effect. I have seen that, after an election in Iraq, Syria or other places under junta rule, if the people were dissatisfied with the outcome, they would drive tanks to roll over the facilities. There exist situations where all the ballot boxes are replaced after all the lights are turned off. How far will they go? This bunch of rioters or supporters of the opponents in Hong Kong may not need to attack you, but they can play these petty tricks, just like Mr HUI Chi-fung (The buzzer sounded) …

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2103

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Steven HO, please stop speaking immediately.

I now suspend the meeting until 11:30 am.

10:52 am

Meeting suspended.

11:30 am

Council then resumed.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr YIU Si-wing, please speak.

MR YIU SI-WING (in Cantonese): President, the social upheaval generated by disturbances arising from the proposed legislative amendments continues. The situation which began in June as peaceful demonstrations has subsequently turned into series of violent clashes as we see at present. The behaviour of the rioters is getting increasingly appalling, reaching the point of being unprincipled. If we can still remember, at the beginning, there were demonstrations and road blockages only, followed by the subsequent appearance of a large crowd of black-clad people and masked rioters who smashed everything into pieces recklessly, from the Legislative Council Complex to MTR stations and traffic lights. They further enforced vigilante attacks on people who held dissent political views or took photos at the scenes. Moreover, they vandalize, wreck, and set fire on target shops in the streets incessantly; and, as their activities are getting increasingly outrageous, they frequently use petrol bombs and all sorts of lethal offensive weapons. Hong Kong looks as if an anarchist state. According to Police's statistics, more than 2 000 cases of criminal damage and arson have been recorded from June to September. And now I guess there should be more than 4 000 or even 5 000 cases in total.

President, the riots have impacted on Hong Kong's economy, business environment and consumption sentiments. We can see the impact has gradually surfaced. Various events have been called off or postponed one after another, 2104 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 for instance the National Day Fireworks display, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, the Hong Kong Cyclothon, the Hong Kong Tennis Open, and the Hong Kong ePrix. Some exhibitions have also changed venues to Singapore. Apart from these, tourists are now reluctant to visit Hong Kong. The number of inbound visitor arrivals in August and September dropped more than 30%. As far as I know, the fall in October and November even exceeded 40%. As for hotel occupancy rate, it averaged at 90% in the past, but now it stands at just 30% or so for those with lower business volumes and at a mere 60% to 70% for those which fare better, showing the entire tourism industry has been seriously affected. The depression in tourism impinges upon other industries, including retail which has suffered double-digit fall in sales volume for several consecutive months, and restaurants which have undergone a wave of closures with more than 300 of them folded. The latest unemployment rate as announced by the Government has risen from 2.9% to 3.1%. What is most unfortunate is that we see no future, and have no idea about when this disturbance will end. Our industry hopes that this disturbance will die down soon so that earnings from the peak seasons of Christmas and Chinese New Year can compensate the loss to a certain extent. If trouble arises at these two peak seasons, it is hard to tell if a wave of closure will hit travel agencies after the Chinese New Year.

The rioters and their supporters are not going to call it quits in view of this situation. I believe it will only get worse. They recently initiated a general strike on three fronts by the labour, business and education sectors. They have resorted to all sorts of extreme measures so as to impede wage-earners' usual journeys to work. They hurled petrol bombs into railways, MTR train compartments and major trunk roads, set fire on toll booths and the administration building at the Cross Harbour Tunnel in Hung Hom, and forcibly occupied The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. They also set up barricades to obstruct major trunk roads and major means of transport, resulting in a paralysis of major trunk roads throughout Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories, as well as the provision of limited services by the railway system. Their aim was to severely undermine Hong Kong's economy and transport system. Their actions have disturbed many people who want to attend work and class as usual, apart from fettering our freedom to commute.

In doing so, one of the objectives of the rioters is to undermine the credibility of the Government, so that the people will lose trust in the Government. The opposition can even blame the Government for the riots, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2105 portray the construction camp or the pro-establishment camp as the royalists, with a view to provoking people's dislike against the pro-establishment camp and hence their reluctance to vote for them. Their eventual goal is to take control of the District Councils, Legislative Council, Election Committee, and even the Chief Executive election through various election games. This is the main reason for the opposition to refuse to sever ties with the rioters thus far.

Given the connivance of the opposition, and especially the support from those with purported social or academic standing or even the opposition Members, coupled with foreign intervention, Hong Kong has fully entered a black terror period in which people are living in fear every day. Hong Kong used to be the safest city in the world, tourists and local people had no fears when walking down the street or engaging in outdoor consumer activities at midnight, safety was not an issue to them even when means of transport were out of reach, and they would not worry about the availability of goods when they went shopping. However, nowadays local people and visiting tourists often meet great inconvenience as transportation may break down anytime. People wanting to use public transports cannot tell when the vehicle will come or when a road will be blocked. A journey which used to take only an hour may now take two to three hours. Many people insist going to work despite all the trouble, as their only source of income is from their work. They live from hand to mouth and hence they must keep their rice bowls intact. Yet, this group of rioters or the opposition turn a blind eye to these wage earners, they pursue their own personal goals at the expense of other people's interests.

Take the blockage at the Tolo Highway and the service suspension of the East Rail Line the other day as an example, we saw a lot of cars stopping midway at the Tolo Highway. Some of them could not go home or down town after waiting for 12 hours …

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr YIU Si-wing, you have talked a lot about other issues. Please come back to the question under debate.

MR YIU SI-WING (in Cantonese): President, I only want to discuss fair election. At the end of the day, they make all the trouble just for the sake of generating unfairness. This is their tactic. I have to expound the intentions behind these problems and lay bare their conspiracy. On top of messing up the 2106 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 entire city and creating traffic jams, they did not spare the elevators at MTR stations and the traffic lights. Just imagine, how can elderly persons or those with disabilities make a journey under such circumstances? They can only stay home when elevators are unavailable. And why do these people create such situations? For the sake of generating social chaos and provoking social discontent. What is more, people on the street may be assaulted if they speak a bit more loudly, say something not to the liking of the rioters or take pictures. Hence, we all worry if we will be told off or beaten up if we speak too loudly. Black terror has thus emerged practically everywhere throughout the entire territory. Earlier, an elderly person at Ma On Shan chased after some people and scolded them, upon seeing something unacceptable to him. He was then set ablaze. Does it mean that Hong Kong has met its downfall?

Why did the above mentioned example happen? It is evident that the opposition aims at creating panic, as they want people neither to speak the truth nor to vote. Here is a simple example. A friend of mine told me that he saw on the street a Member from the pro-establishment camp―or the construction camp―handing out leaflets which no one dared to take. He himself greatly supports the pro-establishment camp but when he went up to take the leaflet, he had to keep a watchful eye on his surroundings, fearing that someone might take his picture and doxx him. How can fair competition be possible when an average person has so much to fear when taking a leaflet?

There is a restaurant in my neighbourhood whose name is identical with a so-called "blue ribbon" eatery. The restaurant owner, in a bid to clarify its identity, posted a notice to deny being the "blue ribbon" eatery in question, alongside a poster from the opposition camp. Why did he shy from pinning up a poster from the pro-establishment camp? He did so for fear that he might be harassed and boycotted. So how can there be fair competition? Once I saw a District Council candidate delivering leaflets on a street. He was blasted verbally once he showed his face. Later I saw the same scene twice or thrice and it was again that particular person who blasted him. What can he do then? He said he had to hand out the leaflets on the streets very early in the morning so as to avoid that person. Alternatively, he has to find a time to hand out the leaflets quietly when that person was not around. He tackled the problem this way but is this reasonable? Where on earth is fair competition then? Furthermore, we have learnt from a lot of news reports that people threw fire bombs to pro-establishment District Council members intentionally or intimidated non-partisan members. Having seen these, would you dare to assure a candidate of your unwavering support? No one will dare to do so, no one will say this, not LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2107 even if he or she wants to support the candidate. We are not even sure if we dare to vote on that day.

President, it is just three days away from the District Council election day. What is the common concern of the people? Their concern is whether the Government can safeguard their right to a fair and safe election environment. I was planning to invite friends to dinner on the polling day. A friend asked about the safety on that day and I reassured him no problem would arise. Contrary to what I said, I was indeed unsure when he questioned my confidence. Do I dare to invite a group of friends to dinner on the polling day on the 24th? I am not sure. But as a Member of this Council, I certainly have to assert myself and cannot say otherwise. But then, how do people see this, even if I am genuinely confident?

In view of this, I consider it mandatory for the Government to create for the people a normal election environment these few days, maintain law and order in the territory, and pay special attention to online comments and notify the people of possible risks in a timely manner. The Government should draw up contingency measures promptly, so that people will find the polling day safe and fair. If during these few days (including the polling day), incidents of violent destruction happen, the Government should judge if the election on the polling day will likely to be harassed, disrupted, undermined or seriously affected by riot or open violence or any danger to public health or safety, under section 38 of the District Councils Ordinance. If such scenarios happen, the Government must indeed consider postponing the election.

Secretary NIP is now present. He once said violent protesters held the keys to the conduct of the election as scheduled. But I find this comment inappropriate. He should not have put the protesters on such a pedestal. The Government should be responsible for preparing this election properly, coordinating among the departments concerned and performing its duty to the fullest. No matter whether it is the Fire Services Department, Home Affairs Department or the Registration and Electoral Office, it is duty-bound to make assessments, work in cooperation with the other departments, and relay to the people its concerns and problems, so that individual departments can play their roles appropriately on the polling day. For instance, while the Police is responsible for patrolling, various other departments should coordinate among themselves to create a safe and fair election environment, under which more than 4 million electors can vote without fear.

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To me, the Government should be confident and determined in safeguarding the smooth conduct of the District Council Election. Similarly, I also hope various political parties and holders of different political views in the community will say no to violence in an open and unequivocal manner, to help restore peace in society. It is only under such circumstances that we will be able to cast our votes in a peaceful and quiet environment, and be confident of electing our preferred candidates, like what we used to do in the past.

President, I so submit.

MR MA FUNG-KWOK (in Cantonese): President, in the past five months, Hong Kong might have possibly experienced its most chaotic and frantic days since the Second World War. The present efforts of the Government to stop violence and curb disorder are obviously passive, weak and slow. In some cases, its efforts simply make things more chaotic. The Government's performance in quelling the riots in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the past few days has improved a bit; but that aside, its overall performance was poor. Violent incidents show no sign of abating in the week before the conduct of the upcoming District Council Election. Inevitably, people are worried whether, on the day the election, the personal safety of the 4.13 million voters and the candidates of different parties and camps is duly and soundly protected, and whether the election can be held in a fair and just manner. All these are a matter of great concern to us and to the people. Hence, it is timely that Ms YUNG Hoi-yan proposed this adjournment motion debate today.

President, the brutality of the rioters in the past five months is escalating, endless and shows no regard for the law and morality. They hurled a multitude of bricks, petrol bombs, objects using slingshots and shot arrows at government buildings and enforcement officers. They even vented their brutality and hatred on public facilities. They blocked roads, vandalized railways and transport facilities, erected barricades on main roads, vandalized shops, restaurants and shopping malls, etc. They smashed the glass panes in the offices of District Council members holding opposing political views and scrawled words on the walls; and in serious cases, they burnt down the entire office. These brutal acts seriously affected the initial electoral activities and dealt a blow to the candidates who stand for a consecutive term in view of the negative impacts on the fairness and justice of the election.

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Perhaps, some people may think that the offices of existing District Council members being targeted will not affect the upcoming election, which is for a new term of the District Council. But the bad and ugly scenes after the vandalism, together with the coverage by the mass media, will generate fear among the voters and also make it very difficult for candidates to mobilize volunteers to organize election activities, such as holding forums, setting up street booths and making home visits.

President, according to Article 27 of the Basic Law, Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of speech, of the press and of publication; freedom of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration; and the right and freedom to form and join trade unions, and to strike. However, in the past five months, scuffles between people of differing views and stances have never stopped. Apart from violent attacks in various districts every weekend, the offices of some District Council Election candidates were also vandalized and a number of these candidates were attacked. This is outrageous and totally unacceptable. Not only are these incidents a serious threat to the fairness and justice of the election, but also a serious threat to the personal safety of existing District Council members and the candidates.

Early this month, a Council Member, Mr Junius HO, set up a street booth in Tuen Mun to campaign for the upcoming District Council Election. He was stabbed by a rioter who intended to assassinate him. Fortunately, despite his misfortune, his injury is not life-threatening. But there have been repeated violent attacks at candidates. As a matter of fact, in the run-up to the election, we have seen many of these unfair incidents.

I must stress again that Hong Kong is governed by the rule of law. Violence is totally unacceptable and intolerable. All sectors of society should abandon violence and return to reason. This is the only way for society to restore peace and return to the right track. Each and every one of us, being a representative of the people in this Council, has the obligation and responsibility to sever ties with violence and say no to violence, and to send a correct message to society. Regrettably, all opposition Members choose to stand by violence. They do not sever ties with violence, and thus they are suspected of sharing the political gains brought about by the fear generated by the violent acts of the rioters.

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In his meet-up with the media earlier, the Secretary said that a number measures would be adopted, including enlarging the no-canvassing zone to offer greater buffer for voters entering the stations and protect them from disturbances; also, arranging sufficient numbers of police officers, Civil Aid Service members and security contractors to cope with possible safety risks; and forming quick response teams under the Fire Services Department to put out any fire near polling stations. While I appreciate the courage and perseverance demonstrated by the Government in pressing ahead with the election, I am doubtful about the ability of the Government in ensuring a fair, just and safe election.

It is certainly necessary for the Government to put forth these measures, but I do not think they are adequate. For instance, protesters now vent their anger by blocking roads, destroying transport facilities, or by erecting barricades to hinder people from going to vote and intimidating candidates, campaign teams and their supporters of different political views. How will the Government cope with these problems? What plans does the Government have on that day to ensure that the traffic is smooth? In particular, some polling stations are located in the countryside, how will the Government ensure that voters whose polling stations are not near their homes can go to vote smoothly and safely on their way to the polling stations? More importantly, how will the Government ensure that the candidates, volunteers, and voters in particular, will not be intimidated?

Moreover, any vandalism on polling station facilities, damage to vote boxes and scuffle between voters of differing opinions will make it impossible for the election to be held in a fair and just manner. Barnabas FUNG, Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, said yesterday that if there were incidents of open violence in individual polling stations on the day of the election and the incidents lasted for more than 1.5 hours, the voting in the constituencies concerned would be postponed. But from the perspectives of the candidates and the voters, 1.5 hours can be a very critical period of time. In fact, the Government should strive to stop any incidents that can affect the fair and just conduct of the election, no matter how short the incidents last.

Besides, rumours are constantly circulating that the District Council Election will be called off. If such a rumour, or a rumour that the polling stations in a particular constituency were closed, surfaced on the day of the election, what would the Government do? Would it have any measures to quash the fake news? Besides, the safety of the candidates should also be considered. Quite many candidates have received threatening messages and even been LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2111 attacked. On the day of the election, candidates will canvass support at street booths, something every candidate will do, and they will get in touch with voters. What measures does the Government have to ensure the safety of all candidates? To date, the Government has yet to answer all these questions.

A few days ago, the Chief Executive said that the Government would make daily assessment on the possibility of conducting the election as scheduled. But, even in the absence of any violent incidents in the run-up to the day of polling, no one can guarantee that the polling day will be peaceful. I certainly do not want the District Council Election to be postponed or called off because the District Council is a vital regional consultative body and a livelihood platform at the district level. The District Council Election is also a democratic mechanism through which people in different districts choose the candidates of their choices with their votes. The Secretary says that the Government will make every effort to hold the election as scheduled. I hope the Government can put forth more specific measures to fulfil its words.

President, if we put this District Council Election against the background of the China-United States rivalry, it is easier to put everything in focus. The United States regards Hong Kong as a pawn to suppress and contain China. The anti-China camp does not regard the District Council Election as a process of democratic election; but rather, it resorts to all means to create chaos, so as to increase its bargaining power to undermine the administration of the SAR Government and in turn to tie down the Central Government. This intention has been clearly seen in the past few months.

The day before yesterday, the development turned to a new page when the United States passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019. President, I think we are facing a war here, a war that does not involve the confrontation of troops. The general public certainly wish to use their votes to express their hearts and minds, and we should not give up this right to express our stance. But at present, against this international backdrop and the social unrest faced by Hong Kong, I personally am very doubtful whether the conduct of the election can accurately reflect public sentiments. Whatever the outcome, the Government may still have to face a series of subsequent challenges.

According to the description by Secretary NIP, the electoral activities so far have been conducted in a fair, just and safe manner. I find his description ridiculous, which shows his refusal to recognize reality. Today, the only thing 2112 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 left, that we can still do, is how to ensure that the polling will be fair, just and safe, and that all the staff, candidates, campaign teams participating in the election, and the voters in particular, can enter polling stations safely and complete the voting. To conquer these difficulties require the all-out efforts of the Government; if not, it is actually quite meaningless to press ahead with the election as scheduled.

President, I so submit.

MR LUK CHUNG-HUNG (in Cantonese): President, I am very grateful to Ms YUNG Hoi-yan for moving this adjournment motion at such a critical moment that allows the Council an opportunity to discuss how the Government can ensure the imminent District Council Election a fair and just one in order that our voters can cast their sacred votes free from fear. It really matters whether the Government has put in place corresponding measures in this connection.

President, a lot of Members would also like to ask: What are our original intentions of pursuing political careers? Personally, I am here to serve the public because I have been very fond of serving others since my childhood. And also, no matter if I was a volunteer for a trade union or a community centre then, I did enjoy serving the local community and workers. Helping others is the happiest thing in my life. However, we also have our own lofty ideals. We believe in democracy and hope to realize and promote democracy through running in District Council/Legislative Council elections because we believe in the very value of democracy.

What on earth is democracy? Well, President LINCOLN of the United States of America had put forward the concept of "(government) of the people have, by the people, for the people". Under a government "of the people", society is governed by the people. How do the people govern society then? One way to do so is through the mechanism of democratic elections. Why should there be a democratic electoral system? One reason is that our forefathers wanted to avoid violence and conflicts. President, how did people fight for the right to call the tune in the olden days? It is through struggling against one another, possibly in the form of a war between tribes at which stones or rods were used―but the present situation here seems to have gone back to the Stone Age―and a bloodbath would result every time the change of imperial dynasties took place. Democratic electoral system was thus invented as people LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2113 did not wish to see bloodshed. Through democratic and civilized mechanism, every voter feels safe and free from fear in electing a representative of his own choice under the majority rule.

When we were small, we learnt from school textbooks that elections were meant for electing the good and the capable. Nowadays, of course, many people think that electing the good and the capable can sometimes be difficult to achieve in a populist society where it is hard to tell whether the news stories on the Internet are real or fake, coupled with the increasingly intense public emotions which have given rise to echo chamber effect. That explains why even strange people like Donald TRUMP can also be elected the President of the United States. Well, at worst, even if it is not possible to elect the good and the capable, we should be, at least, able to express freely and without fear what we think by using our votes to speak our mind, that is, casting our votes to elect our own representatives whom we favour.

As my Honourable colleague Mr HO Kai-ming has said, some people put one's political stance ahead of other things, who consider political stance the most important thing in the entire Council―it is no problem at all―whereas some attach great importance to people's livelihood, community work and whether they can be of any help to members of the public. In the past, many people were able to make choices through casting their votes. However, it seems that their such right in the coming election exercise has been eroded and they are under huge threat this time.

While Hong Kong's democratic system is in its most critical and difficult times at present, what are the so-called pan-democrats doing right now? They speak of democracy, but in fact, their real intention is to seize power. To this group of people from the opposition camp (the violence condoners), democracy means nothing more than a halo or a slogan, which is no different from slogans like "Five demands, not one less" and some of the current slogans advocating "Independence of Hong Kong", which merely serves as a tool for them to seize power. Ever since they vetoed the constitutional reform package and deprived Hong Kong people of the chance to elect our Chief Executive by "one man, one vote" in a manner of gradual and orderly progress, they have always been hoping to take the moral high ground through endless struggles (i.e. the so-called approach of "looping" endlessly). Actually, members of the public are able to see through gradually their tricks and realize their hypocritical nature behind the mask of democracy.

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In terms of community work, they are not as good as us―the pro-establishment Members who strive to make constructive contribution―because we have been spending years engaging in community work. President, we have been spending consecutive years visiting local communities every day to handle complaints of local residents, listen to their needs and respond to their requests for help, ranging from minute family disputes to community building matters. We listened to and dealt with their cases with heart and soul. For all that not every case can be settled satisfactorily, but we do care and are willing to spend time taking care of all that. We did have put in blood, toil, tears and sweat carrying out community work, President, and on seeing them suffer, our hearts bled for them, too.

There are quite a number of political opportunists in the opposition camp coming out from nowhere who neither submitted their application for candidacy nor showed up in local communities until a few months preceding the election day or even after election-related activities were underway. Chanting slogans such as "Down with the royalists", these people made use of the social ills present in Hong Kong over the past or the shortcomings of the Government in its policy implementation to attack us. Okay, that is fine since all election exercises are like that and the opposition camp has been employing such tactics just like what they did on 1 July 2003. Despite that, they still cannot beat us and so they have to resort to another tactic, namely endlessly politicizing everything, such as filibustering at the Council's meetings. Nevertheless, such filibustering only confines to matters within the Chamber and the general public will not be much affected―of course, there are some projects that may have impacts on people's livelihood, but, anyway, not to the degree that people's everyday life is directly disturbed or they will suffer losses or pay a price.

President, certain Members of this Council are getting more and more radical and violent with no end in sight, who often present the distorted facts as truth but they are just talking nonsense in fact. For example, Alan LEONG once said: "Violence can sometimes be the solution to a problem." Recently, he has offered a new "classic" sound bite: "The purpose of violating the law is to abide by the law." I find that he, as a senior figure of the opposition camp and a former Legislative Council Member, did have created quite a lot of "classic" sound bites. President, what he said is just as ridiculous if I tell you that my purpose of eating buffet is to lose weight.

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They appear to be prim and proper as if they are "justice incarnate". They are very good political actors that we are all left in the dust. Another example is Benny TAI, who, as the Associate Professor of the Department of Law, has talking about "achieving justice by violating the law", meaning that it is against the law when only a few people act illegally, but it will be okay if a large group of people do so. However, is this really the case? Of course not. Is it really true that life will be more exciting when one has a criminal record, and is it really the case that people will forget what you have said and not judge you only because of your apology? Of course not.

Why do we have to keep mentioning what they had said? It is because that these people, in order to achieve their political objectives of holding dominant positions and seizing power, never hesitate to induce a group of young people to break the law at the cost of the latter's own future or even cause them to suffer bodily harm whose lives are exposed to great safety risks when performing all kinds of highly dangerous actions (such as climbing up to a height to hurl objects), thus causing injuries to others or themselves. Did we not see some rioters get hurt by the incendiary bomb lit by themselves? Some people may think it serves him right, of course, but in my opinion, it is those from the opposition camp who condone violence are to blame because it was them who keep inducing young people to fight for their so-called "ideals" in the front line who, in fact, are seeking to "burn together"―"burn away" the fruits of success achieved with efforts made by several generations, "burn away" young people's future―while hiding behind those young people to fish political capital, "dividends", or even "extravagant profits". They are no different from vampires which we always detest.

President, this group from the opposition camp are the "bloodstained culprits". They are the ones who have orchestrated a campaign of political violence and advocate the involvement of young people in staging violent charging acts which caused extensive damage. As can be seen by everyone, roads, public facilities and railways have all been damaged, all of which have had a great impact on people's daily life. For example, the average wage earners could not go to work. Moreover, many people were subject to vigilante attacks simply because of holding different views. While someone having voiced different views was set ablaze alive by the rioters, an old cleaning worker was, when performing cleaning duties, hit by someone with a brick and died as a result. President, how can it be possible for a fair election to take place in such a climate of terror?

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The most disastrous about the opposition camp in recent months lies in their policy of "3-Nots", namely the so-called policy of "not severing ties with, not condemning, not snitching" their comrades, which means not distinguishing the right from the wrong in reality. Why? What was the focus of the opposition camp's internal review in the wake of the defeat of YIU Chung-yim and LEE Cheuk-yan in last two by-elections conducted for Kowloon West Geographical Constituency then? It was not about whether they had done well in community work or in the provision of services to the neighborhood―these are the areas that we will certainly look at in conducting self-review every time after being defeated in election―their focus was on the point that they lost votes from the "valiant group" due to their severing ties with them. And so, they must embrace the valiant protesters in any case and never sever ties with them. When these decently dressed Members with whose hair kept in a tidy style―I am sorry, President, my hair looks unkempt today―they will definitely claim themselves to be among the "PRNVs" (i.e. peaceful, rational and non-violent people). Yet, to tell the truth, President, although those exerting violence in the front line disgust me so much, I find those lurking behind them to take advantage of the situation even more shameful.

What is the most irritating phrase for the time being? What is the phrase which is far more despicable than all kinds of violent acts emerged during the election or the abusive language? It is this one: "what they (the youths and children) damaged are nothing more than lifeless objects". Lifeless objects? President, it is certain that they had not just done harm to inanimate objects given that a lot of people with different views were subject to vigilante beating―I have already provided examples just now―more importantly, they have destroyed a set of values comprising diversity, inclusion and respect of the rule of law, which are precisely the core values of Hong Kong. Why do people come to invest in Hong Kong? Just because of its rule of law and social stability. Therefore, they are destroying more than just inanimate objects, but the opposition camp still keeps misleading our young people. How can people vandalize indiscriminately only because those are inanimate objects? I just cannot help getting mad with rage every time this very phrase crosses my mind.

Now let us revert to the issue of election. Secretary, I do not have much confidence in the Electoral Affairs Commission ("EAC"). Personally, I think EAC is a department far from pragmatic and forward-looking. Up to the present moment, I have not heard from it of any measures proposed to ensure smooth conduct of election on the appointed day. Will there be any disruption to the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2117 operation of polling stations? There may be dozens or hundreds of black-clad people wandering outside a polling station, scaring away the voters in the neighborhood―maybe they will only talk to themselves, but there is no telling if they will chant slogans. Will the authorities disperse these people? But then, they may, of course, claim they are entitled to freedom of speech and can thus chant slogans.

What about law enforcement? They may block traffic and prevent members of the public from going to the more distant polling stations, to which voters have to travel by car. Even if some polling stations are close to housing estates, it is possible that members of the public going out in the morning intend to vote in the evening on their way home but, out of their expectation, they get caught in serious traffic jam. As we all know, the most prominent example is what happened to the Tolo Highway in the New Territories East―we were not aware until then that a traffic jam could last as long as 10 hours. In this case, how can people go home and vote? What should one do when one cannot get back home? President, some office workers and a lot of hard-working people have to leave home so early for work, as early as at five or six o'clock in the morning. What should they do then if they expect to cast their votes upon returning from work but that just does not work?

In addition, some people have made threats openly on the Internet, while some well-known online channel hosts (key opinion leaders) have openly asked members of the public to hide the identity cards of their elderly family members whom they consider to be supporters of the "blue ribbon camp" so that they cannot vote. This is tantamount to depriving them of their right to vote. Why did EAC not call the Police to effect arrests in response to these public appeals? Obviously, these are illegal acts, but why did neither the Independent Commission Against Corruption nor the relevant departments take actions against such acts? I do not understand.

Given the above, sometimes members of the public are inevitably left fuming, not just at what the opposition camp (the violence condoners) has done but also the Government's inability and inaction in recent months. Hence, we the people of Hong Kong really have to save our city with our own hands. Over the past few days or even more than a week's time, many people came out to help save the city by cleaning up the streets, with a view to restoring order in local communities. As for the future, the most essential form of self-help lies in the 2118 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 act of voting. I think it does not matter whom you vote for, but at least, it is hoped that we can take forward social development and restore social order through the most civilized and rational system of election by ballot. As long as order, peace and reason are restored, democracy can be realized and so can the most important values of the Council be established. Thank you, President.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I would like to remind Members once again that the District Council Election will soon be held. To avoid affecting the fair conduct of the election, Members should not disseminate messages that may be seen as causing or obstructing the election of any candidates or may achieve a similar result in their speeches. Members should also pay attention to the following when they speak: they should not name names or imply that they support or not support any candidates; they should not comment on the merits or demerits of individual candidates; they should not comment on reports or hearsays that are unsubstantiated but may cause or obstruct the election of any candidates; and they should not display any objects that may achieve the aforesaid effect.

Ir Dr LO Wai-kwok, please speak.

IR DR LO WAI-KWOK (in Cantonese): President, I would first of all like to thank Ms YUNG Hoi-yan for moving this important adjournment motion. People from all sectors of the community are very much concerned in recent days about whether the District Council ("DC") Election can be held safely, orderly and smoothly on 24 November, because we all agree with the importance of the DC Election, and I think that its importance lies in two aspects.

The first one concerns the functions and role of DC in the existing constitutional system of Hong Kong. DC is a district organization which is not an organ of political power as pointed out in Article 97 of the Basic Law, and it has the functions of being consulted by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on district administration and other affairs, or being responsible for providing services in such fields as culture, recreation and environmental sanitation, which are closely related to the people's livelihood.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2119

Besides, under the existing political system of Hong Kong, DC is also closely related to the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council. The Election Committee for the selection of the Chief Executive is composed of 1 200 members, 117 of which shall be elected from among DC members of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Among the 35 Legislative Council Members returned by functional constituency elections, one Member is elected from the DC (first) functional constituency among all DC members, while five Members are elected from the DC (second) functional constituency (commonly known as the "super DC seats"). With regard to the latter, all DC members shall have the right to stand for election and the right to nominate candidates, and the five representatives will be elected on the basis of "one person, one vote" by voters who are not eligible for voting in other functional constituency elections.

It can thus be seen that DC performs a very important role and has a very important status in the existing constitutional system of Hong Kong, and in the meantime, the importance of the DC Election this year also lies in some of its special features. There are more than 4.13 million registered voters in the DC Election this year, and 1 090 validly nominated candidates will compete for 452 seats. Moreover, no candidate will be returned uncontested, and a competition will take place in all constituencies. Apart from involving a large number of candidates, the election is also of a very large scale. More importantly, the election will be held against the background of persistent social unrest triggered by the controversy surrounding the proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, as well as escalating violence of the extremists. The question of whether the DC Election can be held in a safe, orderly and smooth manner not only concerns whether Hong Kong can ensure the effective operation of its established institutions and systems but also whether Hong Kong society can put a timely stop to violence and get back on the right track of peace and rationality.

President, Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew CHEUNG has frankly admitted recently that due to incessant violence, preparations made by the Government for the DC Elections were faced with unprecedented challenges. With an escalation of violence by the extremists lately, the risk of not being able to hold the DC Election as scheduled has significantly increased, and worse still, 2120 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 attempts were made to deliberately undermine the fairness of the election. On 7 November, some political groups of the pro-establishment camp conducted a silent march to protest against frequent harassment and disturbance to their DC Election candidates when they conducted community visits. While many of their publicity materials were destroyed, their offices were deliberately vandalized and set on fire, and some candidates of the pro-establishment camp were even attacked and injured at street booths. Electioneering teams and supporters of the pro-establishment camp were faced with unprecedented threats to their personal safety, and electioneering activities on the street have almost come to a complete halt. It can thus be said that political groups of the pro-establishment camp and their DC Election candidates are the victims of serious violent intimidation.

President, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Patrick NIP stated the other day that three conditions would have to be met for the DC Election to be held as scheduled: Firstly, violence and all kinds of duress should stop immediately; secondly, blocking of tunnels, highways and roads should cease; thirdly, destruction to transport facilities should halt altogether to prevent paralysing the traffic. It can thus be seen that when it comes to the postponement or otherwise of the DC Election, the SAR Government is actually not in the driving seat and things are controlled in the hands of violent protesters on the street. Last week, the rioters protesting in The Chinese University of Hong Kong made a request to the Government for a promise of not cancelling the DC Election, and this was cited as a condition for the reopening of Tolo Highway. This was simply ironical, and a reversal of cause and effect too. As I have pointed out in a radio programme recently, if the normal operation of the community can be maintained, roads are not blocked, and there was no violence on the street, the election can certainly be held and shall also be held.

It is equally ironical that those from the opposition camp have on the one hand very righteously urged the Government to ensure that the DC Election will be held as scheduled, and even have suggested expressly or by implication that the Government and the pro-establishment camp are trying to delay the DC Election, but on the other hand, in order to strive for political capital, they have so far refused to condemn of and sever ties with violent protests and illegal acts which may in fact obstruct the safe conduct of the DC Election as scheduled, and LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2121 have instead laid all the blame on the Government and the Police. These people from the opposition camp have simply incited violence, reversed right and wrong, and confused black and white. They have also directly and indirectly instigated young people and students to participate in illegal activities that will blatantly undermine the rule of law and these youngsters will have their future completely ruined once they are arrested for their illegal acts and crimes. The evil intentions of these instigators are indeed outrageous.

When attending the radio programme mentioned above, I have emphasized that if the community returned to peace, the Government would have no reason to cancel the DC Election. I called on demonstrators to respect the rights of voters, stop blocking roads and using violence, so that voters would be able to cast a sacred vote under safe circumstances.

President, the present social turmoil faced by Hong Kong involves many problems in political, economic and social aspects, and even some deep-rooted contradictions which have been in existence in Hong Kong for many years. The most pressing task now is for all sectors of the community to act in unison and say no to violence, sever ties with rioters, support the SAR Government to step up its efforts in stopping violence and curbing disorder, and employ every feasible legal means to safeguard the rule of law in Hong Kong. There is a need for people from all sectors of the community to put aside their disputes as soon as possible, because if the Hong Kong community continues to be stuck in unending political conflicts, all of us in Hong Kong will be forced to become losers.

President, if these five months of social unrest and street violence can end in the next few days, making it possible to hold the DC Election smoothly as scheduled without any interference, it may provide a favourable opportunity for people from all sectors of the community to remain calm and rational, and to let Hong Kong restore its original state as a society upholding the rule of law. This will help to maintain the effective operation of the existing constitutional system, thus promoting mutual respect and tolerance among people holding different political views, and enabling them to address political aspirations in a lawful, fair and reasonable manner. They may also exercise the votes in their hands to express their political aspirations peacefully, thereby electing their political representatives to serve the people.

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President, there are indeed many pressing economic and livelihood issues in Hong Kong to be resolved, the work of the Government should not be forced to come to a standstill, and it should keep implementing the related policy measures as well as economic and livelihood programmes. Hence, people from all sectors of the community should cherish the important platform provided by DC, safeguard the well-established election culture in Hong Kong, ensure the holding of fair and just elections, and enable over 4.13 million voters to cast their votes in a safe and free environment. This will in turn facilitate our society to make a new start, strive for economic development, improve people's livelihood, and work for the long-term sustainable development of Hong Kong.

President, Hong Kong has been known for its excellent law and order, obeying laws and regulations is a reason why Hong Kong has managed to maintain a good reputation, and this is also one of our core values. However, the turmoil over the past five months has not only dealt a blow to our economy and people's livelihood but also destroyed the core values of Hong Kong, and shaken the foundation of our rule of law. In the last five months, street violence kept escalating, hurling petrol bombs and vandalizing MTR facilities have become norm, vandalizing members' offices of the pro-establishment camp, harassing the street booths set up by candidates from the pro-establishment camp and destroying their publicity materials are also common. I say with deep sorrow that the district offices of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong have also suffered the same fate and experienced different degrees of damage, and in the most serious case, the office concerned was completely destroyed in a fire. Our district staff have to set up tables in front of the burnt site to continue with their work of meeting residents in the community. Yet, although our candidates are serving without fear, we cannot help but worry about our volunteers and residents in the community.

All elections must be held in a peaceful, quiet and fair manner, so as to ensure that all citizens will be able to cast their votes without fear. I would like to ask the Government: How can it ensure that the DC Election can be held in a fair, just and safe manner under such extremely unfavourable circumstances? How can it enable voters to cast their votes without being obstructed and threatened? Under the relevant statutory provisions, an election or voting or vote-counting may be postponed if it appears to the Chief Executive, the Electoral LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2123

Affairs Commission ("EAC") or the Presiding Officer that the election or the voting poll or vote-counting is likely to be affected by three types of occurrence, and one of which is a riot, open violence or any danger to public safety. In the meantime, the Crisis Management Committee set up under the contingency plan formulated for the election will conduct an evaluation in this respect and advise EAC accordingly, with the integrity and fairness of the election as well as the safety of electors and electoral staff as the paramount considerations. It is of course utterly not our wish to see such occurrences, and it is absolutely the responsibility of the SAR Government to formulate a contingency plan for some possible unexpected and chaotic situations in various districts on the polling day of 24 November, as well as timely eliminate any adverse impact on the election.

President, a friend of mine in the engineering sector once said that the bounden duty of engineers was to strike a balance between development and conservation in building up our society. Witnessing that many social facilities established in Hong Kong over the past many years are vandalized by rioters, and the degree of damage is getting more and more serious, I really feel like crying. The situation is actually the real life version of what is depicted in a Cantonese song titled "難為正邪定分界" (Hard to draw a line between justice and evil), which was once very popular. It was the theme song of a television drama series You Only Live Twice, which was broadcasted in 1982, and a duet by a mortal and a devil. In the storyline of the drama series You Only Live Twice, a young man died suddenly in an accident and having gone to hell unexpectedly, he made a deal with a devil, and the fictitious plots reflected the complexities of modern society.

The most special feature of this song is that it is a duet using both pop singing techniques and bel canto style of singing, and this is a very rare example in the pop music sector of Hong Kong. The part sung by the devil has several lines that read, "控制命運，任我巧安排，看似夢幻，凡人難盡瞭解，人 間 的好景給我一朝破壞，榮辱愛恨任分派" (Fate is within my control, wonderful arrangements will I make, dreamy it may appear, yet no mortal can ever understand, destroying all the goodies in just one go, honour and disgrace and love and hate in my hands). Even those who are not music fans will remember, there are also these lines which go, "努力興建，盡情破壞，彼此 也在捱" (building diligently, destroying recklessly, neither of us has an easy 2124 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 life). In my opinion, the escalating violence of the extremists over the past five months, who have become increasingly cruel and brutal, including using various weapons, bricks, petrol bombs, hammers, sharp knives, bows and arrows to attack police officers, people holding different political views and even passers-by, is exactly the real life version of that line sung by the devil that reads, "destroying all the goodies in just one go".

As a result, many public and private facilities have been severely damaged, including MTR stations, shopping malls, shops, traffic lights, road tunnels, etc. Rioters set fire wantonly, executed vigilante justice indiscriminately, and even directly endangered the safety of vehicles, trains and other means of public transport recently. Worse still, they even set fire on a living person and killed another one by hurling bricks. The greatest indignation of the ordinary public was aroused by the threats to their basic rights and normal life of going to work and to school, resulting in a loss of the protection for their lives and properties, dealing a heavy blow to Hong Kong's economy and people's livelihood. Violence has also found its way in universities, with university campuses turned into the so-called "weapon factories", which is really deplorable.

Although the title of the song is "難為正邪定分界" (Hard to draw a line between justice and evil), delineation between justice and evil is rather clear, and with two singers playing respectively the role of a mortal and a devil in the duet, the contrast has become even stronger. The mortal who builds diligently represents justice, while the devil who destroys recklessly is a symbol of evil. Some friends of mine suggested that the DC Election to be held on 24 November is a battle between justice and evil, and a duel between those who build and those who destroy. I call on people from all sectors in Hong Kong to make concerted efforts to enable the election to be held in a fair, just and safe manner, no matter how different their political views are. All of us who genuinely care about Hong Kong should exercise the votes in our hands on 24 November to say no to violence in a most peaceful manner, sever ties with rioters and instigators of violence, bring together constructive efforts, and put our society back on the right track.

President, I so submit.

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MR POON SIU-PING (in Cantonese): President, it is appropriate and timely for you to permit this adjournment motion. In fact, in these few months, serious violent incidents have occurred in multiple locations in Hong Kong and the flame of violence has been burning more and more intensely with the initially peaceful protests having morphed into violent clashes with casualties. This motion under discussion in the Legislative Council today aims at urging the Government to adopt effective measures to restore social order, and seeks to invite Honourable colleagues to transcend political affiliations to join hands in combating violence and saying "no" to it, thereby enabling the District Council ("DC") Election to be held in a fair, impartial, safe and peaceful environment.

President, most members of the public are rather worried by the escalation in violence, fearing that the situation will deteriorate further. These days, we have seen protesters blocking roads at various places, throwing bicycles onto the railway tracks from footbridges, pelting petrol bombs everywhere, and making arson attacks against MTR, buses, shopping malls and even law courts. People even have much difficulty commuting safely to school and to work. And what is more worrying to them is that their lives will be endangered if the situation further deteriorates. For these reasons, some people have become concerned whether the polling day of the DC Election will be safe, whether the polling stations can operate normally, whether voters can reach the polling stations safely to cast their votes, whether candidates and their electioneering teams can be protected from violent attacks, and whether the election can be conducted in a fair, open, impartial and safe environment. While it is natural for people to be worried about these, the government officials are duty-bound to respond to these issues.

President, the quadrennial DC Election is an occasion allowing voters to fulfil their civic duty and exercise their civil right which they should not be deprived of. The basic rights and freedoms of every person should be respected and we should not resort to violence means to deprive others of their right to choose. Apparently, it is contrary to the core values of society for anyone to force their will on the others and require the others to act accordingly.

Earlier, Chief Justice Geoffrey MA of the Court of Final Appeal gave a speech to youngsters, advising them that the spirit of the rule of law lies in not only the respect of the basic individual rights and freedoms, but also the respect for the rights of other people. The use of violence to force employees, students and the business sector to go on strike is just equivalent to depriving others of 2126 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 their rights and freedoms. Recently, some netizens have threatened to obstruct people from going to the polling stations to vote, thus causing concerns over the safety of candidates, voters and polling staff on the polling day. Such behaviour is precisely against the core values of society.

President, the Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission ("ECA"), Mr Justice Barnabas FUNG, recently stated that ECA would spare no effort in making arrangements for the DC Election on 24 November. As mentioned by him, if there is an occurrence of any danger to public safety in individual constituencies on that day, ECA has the power to adjourn the polling of the constituencies concerned. If the polling can resume within 1.5 hours after the disruption, ECA will arrange for an extension of the polling hours on the same day to make up for the lost time. If the disruption to the election is longer than 1.5 hours, the poll of the relevant constituency will be adjourned to the reserve polling day (i.e. 1 December). He also called on the community to stop violence and emphasized that all members of the public should make concerted efforts to safeguard a fair, open and honest election culture.

I very much concur with him. If Hong Kong wants to continue with its move towards a city with democracy, the rule of law and freedom, members of the public will have to make concerted efforts to safeguard a fair, open and honest election culture.

President, I so submit.

MR CHRISTOPHER CHEUNG (in Cantonese): President, this Sunday is the big day of the quadrennial District Council Election. I believe that the majority of the over 4 million electors throughout Hong Kong are all looking forward to this day, so that they can vote for their preferred candidates of the District Council Election, so that these candidates can serve and improve the environment of the respective districts. For that reason, I wish to thank Ms YUNG Hoi-yan for proposing the adjournment motion. In view of the ongoing social unrest, how to ensure that the election will be held in a fair, just and safe manner is of great significance and of urgent public importance.

As Mr Matthew CHEUNG, Chief Secretary for Administration, and Mr Patrick NIP, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, pointed out one after another that in spite of the current difficult situation, the Government LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2127 was very much determined to ensure that the election would be held as scheduled so that the public could exercise their civil rights.

However, as Secretary NIP has listed three prerequisites for a smooth election to be held: First, violence and all kinds of duress must stop immediately; second, blockage of tunnels, major thoroughfares and roads should cease; and third, destruction of transport facilities should halt altogether in order not to paralyse the city's traffic. One can see that we are facing many hurdles and it is by no means an easy task. It really depends on whether or not everyone can stop for a while, calm down and refrain from vandalism.

Over the past week, we have seen an escalation of violence when some university campuses have turned into munitions factories which have produced many offensive weapons. Some university campuses were used by some people to have long-time stand-off and resistance against the Police. Besides, black-clad persons stirred up trouble and vandalized facilities everywhere. On Monday night, over 1 000 fire bombs were thrown in downtown Kowloon where streets were turned into battlefields and flames of fire could be seen everywhere. It was such a terrible sight for the public that they worried about their own personal safety. They might have thought that they had encountered terrorist attacks or they were in the Middle East or other countries in turmoil.

Anyway, the Government is very much duty-bound to ensure that voters can arrive at polling stations smoothly and safely, and then cast their votes there. Apart from stepping up police presence and the security of polling stations, heightening the vigilance of polling station staff and ensuring the smooth operation of polling stations on the Election Day by the Government, it is more important for the opposition camp, which has been condoning violence under the pretext of advocating democracy and human rights―including some of our colleagues in this Council, to urge valiant protesters―whom they have all along been openly or secretly supporting―not to commit vandalism, and not to intimidate people holding dissenting views. It is because any road blockage or street violence will make it very difficult to maintain the fairness of the election as the election may be terminated or postponed. This will leave a blemish on the election which will become a laughing stock in the international community, dealing a further blow to our international image.

President, speaking of a fair and just election, we have been witnessing that voters have been harassed or intimidated to different extents since the nomination 2128 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 started. The less serious move was the inundation of propaganda. For example, some anonymous people would post a lot of propaganda materials on Lennon Walls on the streets to smear candidates holding dissenting views. They would also launch personal attack on these candidates on the Internet.

The most serious move was physical threat. People would vandalize the promotional items of counterpart candidates or even set fire on or smash their offices, which would cause serious damage. Some candidates who conducted campaign activities on the streets were harassed, attacked or intimidated. Petrol bombs were thrown at some candidates at their street posts. As a result, many pro-establishment candidates had to stay vigilant about the risk of being harassed or attacked as if they were running away from the battlefields. At nightfall, they had to call off their campaign activities at the street posts earlier, which had seriously reduced their chances of getting into contact with electors. They needed the company of more campaign helpers when they were setting up street posts and they had to deploy more workers to videotape themselves or to respond to emergency. All in all, many candidates had found it difficult for them to conduct their campaign activities. To put it unkindly, they are risking their lives. If some candidates and their campaign workers cannot safeguard their own personal safety; and if they cannot express their political views in a normal way, may I ask how the election can be held in a fair and just manner? However, what has the entire Government (including the Electoral Affairs Commission ("EAC")) done to ensure a fair and just election? No wonder many pro-establishment Members are harbouring grievances and nursing grudges and making unrestrained criticism towards the Government.

For that reason, I hope that the Chief Executive will summon various heads of all departments and demand them to strengthen the coordination work to ensure that government departments will work as one to stop violence and curb disorder. I earnestly hope that apart from restoring social order, the cross-bureaux and interdepartmental task force led by the Chief Secretary for Administration will work even harder to ensure that the election will be held in a fair, just and safe manner; to help EAC to carry out the election on Sunday, and to endeavour to create a fair and just election atmosphere in the run-up to the election. For example, it should clear all the posters which maliciously attack or smear the candidates of dissenting views, as well as endeavour to prevent legitimate promotional items from vandalism. Moreover, the Government should also endeavour to re-open roads and tunnels which are blocked in order to LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2129 ensure smooth traffic flow for the public to come out and cast their votes without being obstructed.

President, after months of never-ending escalation of violence, radical netizens have been initiating a host of mutual destruction actions, which have already seriously affected the normal daily lives of the public and wrecked social order. Members of the public cannot go to work and student cannot go to schools. And even worse, people cannot go home even if they want to because they do not know when roads will be blocked and MTR facilities will be vandalized during rush hours. Last week, Tolo Highway and the Cross Harbour Tunnel ("CHT") in Hung Hom, the two major transport arteries of Hong Kong were closed. Many commuters encountered great difficulties travelling from home, and the supply of daily necessities was nearly cut off. Many people were anxiety-ridden. CHT has not been re-opened to traffic up to now. Over the past several days, some people still called for blockage of roads in an attempt to obstruct commuters during rush hours. Members of the public have deeply felt these sufferings and they all know what it is all about. They are at the end of their patience as they cannot tolerate such actions anymore. As a result, some people voluntarily clear road barricades, which is tantamount to saying no to violence and mutual destruction.

For that reason, I am convinced that the vast majority of electors have the discerning eyes. As long as Sunday's election is held in a safe and orderly manner, I believe every one of them will make good use of his or her ballot paper and make the right choice. I urge all peace-loving people, who hope for Hong Kong's continued prosperity and stability, will cast their votes enthusiastically, identify those saboteurs and then punish them with the ballots. We should vote them out of the District Councils; otherwise we will never see days of peace again.

Lastly, I wish to point out that some people said that the pro-establishment camp did not want the election to be held on Sunday successfully as they claimed that we were afraid of losing the election. It was definitely the biggest smearing accusation. As Mr HO Kai-ming said just now, we believe that all candidates from the pro-establishment camp who are running for the District Council Election are not worried about the election or the possibility of being defeated through out the election campaign. We just do not want to see that the election is held in such an unfair and unjust manner. However, regardless of the outcome, Hong Kong people have the discerning eyes. The violence by the rioters is aimed at resulting in an unfair and unjust election, but we have never 2130 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 shown any fear. We hope all government departments will work as one to ensure that the election will be held in a fair, just, safe and orderly manner. They should protect each voter who is going to cast his or her vote from any fear, and they should stop harassment actions or vandalism in a timely manner. I hope that everyone in Hong Kong who wants to do something good for Hong Kong will fulfil his or her civic responsibility by casting his or her vote enthusiastically, severing ties with violence, and making good use of the ballot paper to elect people who can really serve the public.

Thank you, President.

MR CHAN CHI-CHUEN (in Cantonese): This Sunday, 24 November, is the polling day for Hong Kong's District Council ("DC") Election. It is the most important DC Election ever, and it is even arguably the most important election in Hong Kong of all time. I say so because it concerns not only the number of seats that various political parties and groupings can win or lose out of the 400 or so DC seats. It is also a de facto referendum that gives everyone an opportunity to express their stances, to cast a vote of no confidence in Carrie LAM's administration due to its dreadful performance over the past two years and the past few months, to express their clear stance once again on the draconian law on the extradition to China, and to vote on Carrie LAM's adamant refusal to form an independent commission of inquiry to hold the Police accountable for their brutal suppression of protests.

On 9 June and 16 June, 1 million and 2 million Hong Kong people took to the streets with their feet respectively. On 24 November, people will cast their votes with their hands in polling stations and participate in this referendum involving everybody. This election can reflect people's opinion more accurately than any public opinion polls or demonstrations. As I have learnt, some young people may think that they can simply ignore the DC Election due to DCs' limited functions. Second, they may think that even if they vote for their desired candidates and bring forth their election victory, only politicians and DC members can benefit because they can obtain the relevant DC seats as a result. And, even if the pan-democratic camp can obtain a majority of DC seats, the five demands will still remain unanswered.

I clearly understand the concerns or skepticisms of these people. I for one was once against and resentful of the advocacy of "repaying the debt of LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2131 bloodshed by votes". But this election involving some 4 million voters in Hong Kong can honestly serve as a very important barometer. The whole world is watching this DC Election very closely and is very concerned about the election result.

I wish to say a few words to those who remain hesitant about casting their votes or those who consider their votes to be beneficial only to certain candidates. I urge them to think about this the other way round. Your abstention from voting due to your skepticisms about the election and also politicians will only enable those political parties and politicians in support of police brutality and Carrie LAM to keep their DC seats or even obtain more instead of fewer seats.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr CHAN Chi-chuen, please hold on. I have already reminded Members many times that in order to avoid any adverse impact on the fair conduct of the election, Members' speeches should not put forth any messages that may be deemed as promoting or prejudicing the election of any candidates, or any messages to that effect. Please return to the topic of this debate.

MR CHAN CHI-CHUEN (in Cantonese): President, I certainly understand your point. Now, I am encouraging those who are hesitant to vote to come out and cast their votes. Whether speaking of pro-establishment or democratic supporters, some of them will definitely question why they must cast their votes, what effects can be achieved by their votes, and also whether it is possible to stop violence and curb disorder or get a response to the five demands by so doing. My words are addressed to both sides. This election can serve as a barometer. The refusal of supporters of this side to cast their votes will be interpreted by the other side to mean that supporters of police brutality and the Government are in the majority. On the contrary, the refusal of pro-government electors to cast their votes will be interpreted to mean that opponents of Carrie LAM are in a greater number.

President, my discussion involves both sides, so there should be no problem. In that case, suppose …

(Mr Paul TSE indicated his wish to ask a question)

2132 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Paul TSE, what is your question?

MR PAUL TSE (in Cantonese): President, many thanks for your repeated reminder to Members. In fact, two negatives do not necessarily make a positive. We cannot discuss any one side alone; neither can we say that there will be no problem as long as a Member's discussion involves both sides. President, it does not mean that a discussion involving both sides must always be alright.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I understand what you are saying. I remind Members once again to be careful when they speak because I have already said many times that if any Member pays no heed to my reminder, I will order the Member concerned to stop speaking.

Mr CHAN Chi-chuen, please continue with your speech.

MR CHAN CHI-CHUEN (in Cantonese): Alright, President. Let me put it another way. If certain electors refuse to cast their votes, with the result that those candidates holding divergent political views obtain more votes, this outcome will be interpreted to mean that these candidates command a stronger public mandate, and it naturally follows that the matters they support will gain more momentum. The point is as simple as that.

When talking about her hope for the fair, impartial and safe conduct of the election, Carrie LAM argues that things are beyond the Government's control. But I think the case is the exact opposite. If Carrie LAM comes out today and undertakes that she will address the five demands or set up an independent commission of inquiry, the protest activities in the community will deescalate at once, and the election can be held in an orderly fashion. Certainly, some may think that this is not desirable because this will be interpreted as a backdown by the Government. Such people will therefore think that in that case, all will be of no use even if the election outcome is that a majority of seats are taken by pro-government candidates. The Government must think about this itself.

Speaking of fairness and impartiality, pro-establishment Members often ask how the Government can ensure the fair and impartial conduct of the election. I urge them to stop feigning ignorance about the fact that Hong Kong's elections LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2133 have never been fair and impartial. I say so because anyone who intends to run in an election stands a possible chance of disqualification. The Government will only tell us―the Under Secretary may also argue today―that it has put in place a mechanism whereby anyone who feels that his election defeat is ascribable to unfair treatment in the course of the election or on the polling day may lodge an election petition. The Secretary has likewise told us the same thing. If anyone may lodge an election petition on the ground of unfair treatment on the polling day, I am afraid we will see a few hundred election petitions at that time as various candidates from all constituencies have hastened to lodge an election petition. Then, the authorities may think that it had better overturn the election result, so that people can cast their votes all over again. This is their mindset.

Despite the non-existence of absolute fairness or impartiality as I have argued, the Government should nonetheless pretend to be fair and impartial and refrain from taking the lead to do something unfair, biased or unjust. Here is the best example. Following Carrie LAM's repeated talks in public about the harassment of pro-establishment candidates, the damage of their offices and the attacks on certain candidates, a journalist asked her why she made no mention of the assaults on candidates from the democratic camp. She said in reply that they were attacked in the course of electioneering. She could give us such a conflicting reply.

A candidate from the democratic camp had part of his ear bitten off and was left with a broken arm after he was assaulted with a rod and a hammer. But Carrie LAM only passed lightly over the incident. When the democratic camp held a peaceful electioneering campaign in Victoria Park, the Police raided the venue and arrested three of our candidates. Actually, local elections have always been unfair and unjust. There was a case of "13 registered voters with 7 surnames under 1 address", and Chinese-funded enterprises have forced their employees to vote for certain candidates, and they have handed in name lists. We have also heard of the pretext of "doing voluntary work". It actually means the arrangement of coaches for transporting elderly home inmates to polling stations to vote. In fact, if there is rigging of elderly homes, I am afraid other candidates actually need not stand in the election because the totally 1 000 votes or so from two elderly homes will already suffice to ensure election success for their desired candidate. All such instances have been in existence all along. But the Government is totally helpless, and it has connived at the existence of such cases all along. We are aware of such cases, and we have also brought them to the authorities' attention. But we must still cast our votes, and we must 2134 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 still do so even if we are well aware of such unfairness and injustice. Can we afford to boycott the election and refrain from voting? If they plant 500 votes, we can only urge more voters to come out (say, an addition of 1 000 voters), so as to dilute their voting support.

Today, many Members talk about the "Operation Filial Son" as they call it. They say that some people try to prevent their elderly family members from voting. I must say that preventing elderly people from voting is not allowed, and people must not, for example, lock elderly people at home or take away their identity cards. Why do people come up with such ideas? President, I am also a victim. My mother is an inmate of an elderly home in Sau Mau Ping. She was registered as a voter without her knowing it. Did she sign any document? I do not know. Usually, the elderly home will keep all correspondence to its inmates and pass it over to their families once a week. But we were never shown our mother's poll card, and we were kept in the dark all along. Later, we became aware of the whole thing only after she had cast her vote. We were infuriated, of course. So, we asked her whether she knew she was a registered voter. In a state of confusion, she was understandably unable to give me an answer. Subsequently, we lodged a complaint with the Independent Commission Against Corruption ("ICAC"). The ICAC officers went to the elderly home in order to take a statement. But their enquiries led nowhere, of course. When elderly people are asked whether they register as voters voluntarily, many of them will instead ask what is meant by registered voters. When asked whether they have voted for "No. 1", they will nonetheless say they do not know. They will only say that the person on the leaflet is quite good-looking. Perhaps, they have been threatened not to talk too much, lest they may be arrested by ICAC. Of course, all such cases will remain unresolved in the end.

What can we do as sons or daughters? One way is to bring her out that day to avoid her stay in the elderly home. Bringing her out to avoid her stay in the elderly home does not mean preventing her from voting. If my mother insists on casting her vote, I must let her have her way. But the purpose of avoiding her stay in the elderly home is precisely to prevent her from being taken out to vote as she herself is confused and unclear as to whom she has voted for. What has the Government done? One week before the election, the inmates of the elderly home were already given an art and craft practice of putting stamps next to "1" under the veneer of a physiotherapy exercise for training hand mobility. What can we do? Our elections are never fair or impartial. But this is a relative concept. The Government must pretend to be fair and impartial and LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2135 should not be biased in obvious favour of any particular camp or force and show support only for it.

Speaking of avoiding violence and intimidation, some pro-establishment Members argue that the mere sight of a few black-clad people holding up their five fingers alone―not to mention the chanting of slogans―at the entrance of a polling station will already suffice to deter many people from entering the polling station to cast their votes. But then, another scenario will also be true, I must say. If the Government deploys a team of anti-riot police officers to check people's identifications and demand the removal of face masks at the entrance of a polling station, people likewise will not want or dare to cast their votes. To an ordinary person, casting his vote is not a necessary thing to do as he will not get any benefits or gifts in return for so doing. So, he will naturally wonder why he should take the trouble to do so only to subject himself to disgraceful intimidation from anti-riot police officers at the entrance of a polling station. One can be charged anytime with obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty even if one argues back just very briefly. If one asks a police officer whether he has a conscience, one may be pressed on the ground and beaten up. Many people will probably say that they do not dare to cast their votes if they see the presence of anti-riot police officers. What should we do about this then? The area concerned is designated as a "no-canvassing zone". But is it also a "no-tear gas zone"? Can the Under Secretary promise that no tear gas can be launched around polling stations? If tear gas is launched, the Government will shut down the polling station concerned and call a halt to the election. In that case, how can people cast their votes?

Some say that they will cast their votes at an earlier time on the election day. I also agree to this owing to uncertainties in the traffic condition at the time. Those who think they can cast their votes after going out for fun may possibly end up being unable to do so due to unexpected suspension of transport services. Some have also said that if the pro-establishment camp envisages that they can secure enough votes in the morning, they may deliberately make a scene to bring forth the closure of the relevant polling station at 3:00 pm. That way, they can win an election. I can tell people on the Government's behalf that all this is not going to happen. If a polling station is closed at 3:00 pm, then the Government will have to pick another day. For instance, it may specify that the polling station will be reopened on 1 December at 3:00 pm, and people may cast their votes that day until 10:30 pm. If the Government cannot make it that day, then the whole election will become invalid. Now, I am not worried about the 2136 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Government's closure of polling stations. On the contrary, I am worried that the Government refuses to close a polling station despite the occurrence of incidents. Why do I say so? Suppose a person envisages that his political camp can secure enough votes for winning an election and therefore starts to arouse chaos near the relevant polling station at around 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm, and suppose the Government refuses to shut down the polling station and instead fires tear gas in nearby areas all the same while deploying dozens of anti-riot police officers to the scene, will young people dare to cast their votes? Perhaps they have taken part in some other activities earlier on, so they will naturally turn away at the sight of the Police and refrain from casting their votes, right? Therefore, I think it will be safer for one to cast one's vote in the morning than in the evening or at night because no one can tell what will happen in the evening or at night. The situation will be even more undesirable if a polling station is not closed despite the occurrence of any incidents because people will not dare or want to go to a polling station due to the presence of police forces.

Let me reiterate this once again. To an ordinary person, casting his vote is not a necessary thing to do. He may not want to be intercepted by police officers, to speak less of the possibility of being assaulted or arrested by them. This explains why people may refuse to cast their votes. How will the Government "cooperate" with the Police then? By that time, the Police will say, "We are carrying out our duties." Can we ask them to give way to people, so that people can cast their votes? If this really happens, it is better to shut down a polling station and call a halt to an election.

Actually, the election may not necessarily be fair and impartial in many respects. The Government contends that a mechanism is in place to deal with all this. But actually, it is only trying to reassure us that such a mechanism is available. But I am sorry to say that people even have no trust in the Government these days. A person once asked me, "Suppose a polling station is assigned with, say, 5 000 voters. Will the Government add in 500 names for no good reason at all?" I replied, "We honestly cannot do anything about it if we even do not trust the 'dealer' and think that he may add in more 'playing cards' for no good reason at all." Can we check the cards, may I ask? Do I have the right to inspect its electoral register and check it against mine to see whether the contents are the same, and whether its register contains 500 extra names? But it looks like even such a mechanism is lacking. I wish to seek an answer from the Secretary or the Under Secretary. In view of people's distrust in the Government to the point of suspecting that its electoral register has been tampered with, can we request an inspection of its electoral register if we so wish?

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Actually, I for one am rather pessimistic after all. I think the election this time around stands a higher chance of cancellation. But of course, we will do our utmost, in the hope that we can proceed with the election. To me, it is a public opinion poll or the quickest way for everyone to express their stances. When a society or place has fallen sick, it needs to undergo a medical check-up. This election is precisely a medical check-up. But even so, the Government is still vested with the power to cancel the election. How pessimistic am I? If this DC Election is cancelled, there probably will not be any more elections in Hong Kong in the future at all―no Legislative Council Election, no Election Committee Subsector Elections, and no Chief Executive Election. Our Chief Executive will be appointed by the Central Authorities through consultations. If it is impossible to conduct even just a DC election, how can we possibly be confident that the Legislative Council Election next year can be held? If this DC Election is cancelled, the Police should make proper preparations as a big fight will definitely ensue this Sunday, one that will certainly turn Hong Kong upside down.

I hope Hong Kong people can treasure their votes. As we often say, even in the case of an overseas country which is at war, its people are still eager to cast their votes. Speaking of an African country, what will its guerrillas do if they want to deter people from voting? They will ask voters whether they prefer "long sleeves" or "short sleeves". What do "long sleeves" and "short sleeves" mean respectively? "Long sleeves" means the amputation of their hands, whereas "short sleeves" means the amputation of their arms. In order to deter people from voting, they have resorted to the amputation of their hands or arms. This is why people have gone there to install prostheses for the local people. People can imagine how precious our election is, and also how precious our opportunity to vote is. Some people in power want so eagerly to rig the election. And this time around, there is an opportunity for everybody to express their stances, so I hope people can treasure it. I also hope that the Government can stop playing its little dirty tricks and interfering with this election, while urging the Government to exert its utmost to make this election happen. The Government is fond of saying that in case of any unfairness, we may lodge election petitions afterwards. I so submit.

MS STARRY LEE (in Cantonese): President, this Sunday's election is of great importance. Over the past few months, we have been living amid riots and Hong Kong has been overshadowed by violence. Many people dare not go out 2138 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 because they do not know if the roads in a certain district are blocked. Moreover, in our recent visit to our constituencies, many people told us that they dared not talk about their political views in public, because they were afraid of being subject to vigilante attacks, being surrounded by protesters and being doxxed.

President, chaos will not only break out on Saturdays and Sundays, we even lose freedom even on weekdays. We are forced to go on strike or boycott classes. Many people are concerned whether or not they will be subject to violent threats if they go and cast their votes on Sunday. Will they be doxxed when somebody finds out their voting choices? Can they arrive at the polling stations safely? Over a period of time in the past, many people have kept asking me similar questions.

President, I would like to call on the public once again to come out and cast their votes if they hope that the violence can stop and Hong Kong can start anew. Regardless of your political orientation, it is better to express your political orientation by way of voting than letting Hong Kong to be engulfed by violence. For that reason, I urge members of the public to come out and cast their votes on Sunday. You should express your views on the current social situation. If you do not want to see violence, if you do not want our society to keep on indulging in violence, please come out and vote. You can only save yourselves and Hong Kong through the casting of your ballots.

President, I have to respond to the remarks of Mr CHAN Chi-chuen. Actually, election is a relatively fair way, and I agree that it is a fact. But according to Mr CHAN Chi-chuen, a lot of unfair incidents seemed to have taken place in the past, while the Independent Commission Against Corruption ("ICAC") or the Electoral Affairs Commission ("EAC") seemed to have conked out as no investigation had been conducted. We should be fair. All political groups will canvass for votes by contacting voters. Have you not done that? In fact, every political group has been engaged in electioneering for many years, and everyone knows that the mobilization of voters is a must. Members of the public understand what it is all about when they receive calls from different groups. The key is that members of the public know very well that once they have entered the polling stations, they should not reveal their voting choices to anybody. If an election is not conducted in a fair and just manner, I urge the electors to speak up and lodge their complaints with ICAC. I believe that ICAC or the Police will endeavour to investigate their cases. One should not say that LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2139 the complaints in the past have not been dealt with or our camp has benefited as a result. We know that all too well. Someone says that once a voter receives a call, he will vote for a certain political party; or once a voter receives the email from an unknown group; his voting choice will be affected. Sorry, I think that electors in Hong Kong are very mature. I think that they know what is going on. You are also trying to send similar messages to the public when you are canvassing for votes on the street, but the public need not disclose or tell others about their voting choices when they cast their votes. For that reason, one should never say that the elections in the past were conducted in an unfair manner. I wish to urge once again here that if anyone finds anything unfair in elections―not just the upcoming one―he or she should report to ICAC at once, and I also hope that EAC and ICAC will conduct thorough investigations. We should safeguard a fair and just election.

We have proposed this adjournment motion because new situations have appeared in the past few months. Before I talk about these new situations, I must emphasize that some people have questioned whether our purpose for proposing this motion (there has been an accusation of a conspiracy theory) is to provide ammunition for the Government, so that it can take the opportunity to cancel or postpone the election. I reiterate here that the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong ("DAB") has not asked the Government to postpone or defer the election. All of our candidates are prepared to fight this battle since the day the nomination period commenced. They are ready for the election campaigns. No matter what happens, no matter how difficult the battle is, the election campaign will go on. We do not accept the threat of violence and we do not accept an unfair election.

President, now I must point out some new situations. It is because they only emerged in the past few months. I am unable to recall if such situations have appeared in the past elections. These situations have not only happened to DAB candidates, but also to many political parties, including candidates of some political parties from the opposition camp. All of them have also been treated unfairly. For that reason, I consider that the biggest responsibility for the Government or its problem is that it has not adopted immediate measures in views of the current situation. Over the past five months, Hong Kong has witnessed the incessant escalation of violence, but I have not seen any propaganda video or measures by the Government. Up till today, there are no extra and specific measures to protect the public, candidates and their campaign 2140 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 workers so that members of the public can vote without worries, and all campaign activities can be conducted in a safe, fair and just manner.

First I wish to talk about the Lennon Walls, which are something new. We can find a Lennon Wall in any given district. But the Government has done nothing to clean up these Lennon Walls. What happens to these Lennon Walls? Some people post information on these Lennon Walls to show their disapproval of pro-establishment candidates. President, may I ask if the Government has taken any extra measures to clean up these Lennon Walls? If we are to ensure a fair and just election, why have I not heard anything about this in press conferences held by the Government? Will the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department ("FEHD") be asked to clean up them all as soon as possible? Will FEHD clean up the Lennon Walls as soon as they are set up? This is the duty of the Government, but the Government has failed to do that.

President, many of the propaganda contents on the Lennon Walls are related to making mock of, slandering or smearing pro-establishment candidates, which have apparently violated section 9 of the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance, "Corrupt conduct to engage in certain deceptive behaviour in relation to candidates and prospective candidates", and section 26, "Illegal conduct to publish false or misleading statements about a candidate". President, has the Government tried to find out if any of the above has appeared on these Lennon Walls and has it sent people to clean them up? I am not talking about the camp I belong to only. Honestly speaking, during the election period, we are allocated certain spaces to display our campaign banners, and the purpose of that is to ensure a fair election. However, after the aforementioned has happened, which has not affected us, but also other candidates, I consider that the Government should deal with them immediately. But unfortunately, no action has been taken by the Government. I hope that the Secretary will respond to this later on. If he says that EAC will take immediate action, I think that this is correct. Nevertheless, I have not seen any extra actions taken by him to deal with such an unfair and unjust election. Thus the first point is about the Lennon Walls.

The second point is that the offices of many District Council Members were subject to malicious criminal damage. President, DAB alone has more than 80 offices being vandalized for more than 100 times. Some of these offices are subject to multiple acts of vandalism, and it sounds quite unbelievable. Some have been vandalized for 6, 7 or 8 times. They are not simply vandalized; they are squirted with water and set on fire.

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President, the purpose of setting up these offices is to serve the public. And obviously, vandals want to shake our determination and confidence and to stop our services; or even to affect our normal election campaign activities. In that case, what has the Government done to address this problem? Actually not just DAB is affected. Just now Members have pointed out that offices of other pro-establishment Members from various political groups are not left unscathed. Apart from the offices of the pro-establishment camp, the offices of the opposition camp may also be vandalized. Nevertheless, what measures has the Government put in place and has the Government spoken out on this issue? I remember what the Secretary said at that time. He told candidates to lodge complaints to EAC. After EAC received the complaints, they would be referred to ICAC. "Hey buddy", it has been going on for five months. In the wake of such vandalism, what measures have they put in place in addition to telling us to write to ICAC or the Police?

Apart from the vandalism against offices, President, a more serious aspect is the serious disruption of our campaign activities during the electioneering period. Similarly, not only DAB candidates are affected. However, I can say that none of our DAB candidates are left unscathed. Of course all pro-establishment Members are included, even the candidates from the opposition camp are also affected, and I assume that everybody is subject to different levels of harassment. Every time when we set up street posts, we will be at least subject to insults. Besides insults, a colleague of us was attacked by a knife-wielding attacker earlier. One of our candidates was also punched in the belly by an attacker in Wan Chai when he was setting up a street post.

In the morning on the same day when Mr Junius HO was attacked, one of our candidates in the Yau Tsim Mong District was chased by someone holding a wooden rod and was sprayed with some unknown liquid later. We are taking part in the election only, how can the Government guarantee that our candidates and campaign volunteers can have a peace of mind? Many volunteers tell us that they are not unsupportive of us, but they are just too scared now. Try to imagine, after some people had taken part in the dialogue with the Chief Executive, they were doxxed perhaps because they had said something not pleasant to the ears of all. If they come out to help canvass for votes, will they be doxxed? Will they be doxxed if they go to cast their votes? In this regards, what has the Government done?

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We candidates can really do nothing about it. Sometimes I do not want to see our volunteers worry about their own safety. I would tell them, never mind, it would be okay as long as they come and cast their votes on the Election Day. We can do the canvassing work by ourselves. Nevertheless, everyone knows that when a few hundred constituencies are involved in the election, each candidate has only one or two volunteers to help him or her and then they will set up the street posts. Has the Government ever thought of putting some measures in place to ensure the safety of the election campaign? Has it ever touched upon this issue? It is not the issue concerning DAB alone. Every candidate is facing the same challenge. But apart from telling us to record the relevant details and then lodge a complaint to EAC, which will become the evidence of an unfair election in the future, I have really not heard what specific response the Government has made in this regards. "Hey buddy", I am asking for safety in the election campaign, which is a very simple request.

President, apart from candidates and campaign teams, I must point out that the public are playing the most important roles of all. The District Council Election will be held on 24 November. Honestly speaking, many people are very worried about the current situation. Every night we can see on television news that people set fire and hurl petrol bombs in various districts. Even police stations and courthouses were set on fire. Some people asked me whether they would be attacked when they arrived at the polling stations. Would many people surround them and what should they do in that case? Last time I asked the Government if it would set up a hotline to answer calls from the public in case they said they were too frightened to go to the polling stations. Unfortunately, up till now I have not seen that the Secretary has set up such a hotline. I know perhaps he cannot do all the tasks. He should be treated fairly. It is because a fair and just election cannot be achieved by merely making some appeals, not even by the deployment of all police officers. Nevertheless, at least he should have considered such scenarios and some measures should be implemented later on in order to let the public know that it is safe to cast their votes at polling stations and their voting choices will be kept in confidence and voters will not be doxxed after they have casted their ballots.

Moreover, in case they have lost their ID cards; or their ID cards are taken away for whatever reasons, where should they report to the Police and whether the Police can assist them? At present, the Police Force are stretched to their limits, and I believe that police officers will be deployed to guard over hundreds of polling stations. Will the Secretary make some specific arrangements, for LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2143 example, will some specific arrangements be made to deal with the reported cases involving the loss of ID cards in every district? Unfortunately, I have heard nothing from the Government in this regard.

President, therefore I must stress that I really thank Ms YUNG Hoi-yan for proposing today's motion. This motion is not just for a certain candidate or campaign team. In fact, all candidates are facing these challenges. Supporters from various political parties and camps were so worried that something bad would happen when they went to cast their votes. As such, will the Government, as the institution in charge of the election, implement some specific measures in addition to making repetitive announcements over the past few days? Lastly, I appeal again to all members of the public that we should use our ballots to express our political views instead of using violence, if we hope that the violence can stop and Hong Kong can start anew, which, I understand, the Government alone may not be able to achieve. Only by relying on the public to safeguard a fair, just and safe election, can every one of us cast the ballot without any disruption on Sunday. I hope that the Secretary will provide appropriate response to Members' questions later on.

MR PAUL TSE (in Cantonese): President, to begin with, I declare that I am a candidate in the District Council ("DC") Election.

President, I am one of those who put forth this warning at the earliest opportunity. I have pointed out that under the prevailing circumstances, it is actually not appropriate for the Government to hold any elections, including the upcoming DC Election. I think so not so much because of my worry about the election result. Instead, my view is based purely on rational analysis.

President, various Members have already given an account of many instances involving unfairness that have already taken place, so I need not talk too much. Certainly, other obvious problems include the use of violence, criminal damage, intimidation and noncompliant election advertisements. But what is more important is what I call "latent" awareness, such as fear, indifference, misunderstanding, and people's mentality of "fewer actions lead to fewer risks". As a result, candidates are not willing to conduct electioneering campaigns as they will normally do. All this has produced grave impact on this election and unfairness.

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President, a more important reason why I do not think the election should be held is the associated "consequences". The election will not bring an end to all problems. Instead, it will mark the beginning of hundreds of election petitions. May I ask how Hong Kong's judicial system is able to cope? The Court already has to spend a couple of years on dealing with one election petition. In case of hundreds of election petitions … In my view, candidates in various constituencies actually all have sufficient grounds for lodging election petitions under the prevailing circumstances. President, the holding of the DC Election is actually tantamount to sweeping all problems under the carpet for the time being. Soon afterwards, on the night of 24 November, the authorities will have to turn over the carpet right away, by which time all problems will be exposed. President, may I ask how the Government will cope with them by that time?

The third reason why the election should not be held in my view is that the election will create a platform for more conflicts, violence, disputes and unlawful conduct. In my opinion, the Government must be careful and prudent before it is able to resolve the three major problems I have mentioned above. And, mind you, I still have not touched on the issue of safety.

President, I understand that the Government is caught in a dilemma. Perhaps, the Government wants to impress people as a liberal government as far as possible. If someone describes Hong Kong as the centre of friction in the trade war or even an all-front war between China and the United States, then I will say that this DC Election is precisely a "tribute". Even though we know full well that this election is a kind of sacrifice, we must still proceed with it, so that it can be used as a "tribute" to appease the external force concerned (namely the United States). I say so because the United States has argued that the cancellation of the DC Election will indicate an absence of democracy in Hong Kong.

President, the situation cannot possibly get any worse. Regardless of what we do, others will still say that the situation is at its worst. For instance, they will say there is no freedom in Hong Kong, so on and so forth. I need not say too much. The words uttered by Rose TANG from Fox News yesterday―she can honestly benefit from my specific mention of her name here―were totally unfounded. I wonder why such a sizeable American media organization would allow this lady to utter those exaggerating and nonsensical words. Her talks about the massacre―homicide or massive killing―in the 1989 pro-democracy movement are simply ridiculous. I wonder why such a sizeable LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2145

American media organization would allow her to utter those exaggerating words. Their President is of course a living example. Some people in the United States have already checked the facts and found that there have been tens of thousands of lies and misleading speeches from this President ever since his assumption of office. With such a deplorable President, such an appalling media organization and country are naturally conceivable.

President, let me go back to the latest development of Hong Kong. Just now, a Member quoted an eloquent remark made by Mr Alan LEONG, which goes, "Violating the law is aimed to be a means to safeguard the rule of law." Besides, Mr Martin LEE has likewise argued that the relevant violent acts are mere fabrications whose purpose is to smear protesters. All such talks, ones which are oblivious to the reality and the conscience, are prevalent in the market. President, in that case, why should we bother ourselves with others' annoying talks about the cancellation of the election due to rumours or ridiculous allegations in Hong Kong?

President, it can be said that the Government has lost its control now. As described by the opposition camp or the community, Hong Kong is virtually in a state of war. At present, everywhere in Hong Kong is left in total ruin, and it is honestly comparable to a war zone. But which is more undesirable? In a state of war? Or, in a state without government? At present, many places are honestly in a state without government. Speaking of CHEN Shui-bian, when he stood in their presidential election that year, he was shot right on the polling day―even though this was a sporadic incident―and this probably resulted in unfairness in their election. Another example is North Ireland. It experienced a long time of social unrest. But its local government conducted election only when there was relative peace, to say the very least. In the case of Hong Kong, its social unrest has lasted for some five months now without showing any signs of dissipation. I do not think any place will be as brave as Hong Kong and risk everything on holding an election just for the purpose of offering it as an "oblation" or "tribute".

President, the Government has actually come clean with us as it has indicated very clearly that the situation has spun out of its control. So, they can only plead for mercy from rioters and an opportunity to conduct the election in Hong Kong. They do not have any willpower whatsoever to regain control of the situation and ensure the fair and safe conduct of the election. This is downright irresponsibility which has no room for any explanation. If the 2146 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Government really wants to proceed with the election, they should somehow be able to find a way to reduce the value of this "oblation" and "tribute". President, what can the Government do? The Secretary argues that three conditions must be met in order to proceed with the election. But actually, it is impossible to fulfil some of the conditions. Can the Government take back the Cross Harbour Tunnel before 24 November? Can the Government ensure that nothing will happen to our rail lines before 24 November? Can the Government ensure that no roads will be barricaded before 24 November? May I ask how the Government can hold the election as scheduled? President, how can the Government ensure the safety of the 600 polling stations or so?

Let me put aside those instances involving violence, vandalism and obstruction. Just now, various Members talked about many "weird" ways to prevent electors from casting their votes. One example is the taking away of identifications (especially those of elderly people). Another example is that sons and daughters may as well arrange an outbound trip at their expense for their elderly family members under the veneer of filial piety, so as to make them "disappear" from Hong Kong for two days. The Government simply does not have any strategies to cope with all this. Has the Government done any sandbox simulation as the basis for conceiving ways to cope with such tactics if they are employed or reduce their harm? President, the answer is in the negative. I do not know whether the Government has thought about this. But the answer is certainly that there is not any measure.

The second issue concerns security. As I said just now, the Hong Kong Police Force is already stressed out, but the whole system has failed to offer any assistance to them. They are only asked to execute arrests, with the result that they are caught between the two opposing sides. Have the judicial department and the Secretary for Justice―I wonder if she has already returned to Hong Kong―done anything? How will other departments render assistance? What security measures are in place to ensure that our exhausted Police Force can protect the safety of the 600 or so polling stations that day? All such questions have simply remained unanswered.

President, I now turn to talk about information. At present, a great deal of confusing information is circulating in the community. The information concerns issues such as whether the election will be held as scheduled, the specific arrangements that day, whether polling stations will be opened earlier for electors to cast their votes, the arrangements following the closure of polling LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2147 stations in the course of the election and those for electors who are unable to make their way to polling stations, and also the staining of ballot papers. Despite the circulation of various rumours in the community, no platform has been set up to bust those confusing rumours. As shown by the Government's publicity materials, it looks like Hong Kong is now at peace. Merely urging people to cast their votes on the election day to fulfil their civic responsibility, they have whitewashed the chaos in Hong Kong in such a way as though nothing had ever happened over the past five months. Is this something that the Government should do? President, completely devoid of any sense of crisis, the Government has refused to address the relevant problems and deal with them with pragmatism. It has only undertaken its publicity campaigns as usual, as if nothing had ever happened. The whole Policy Bureau is useless. How can it proceed with the election under the existing circumstances?

It has just come to my attention that the Government has made one improvement: the setting up of a new platform for busting fake messages―this is the information I got a moment ago―and clarifying all sorts of messages. When it comes to confusing or fraudulent messages, it takes time for the Government to educate people and offer clarification to them. President, this takes time! Now, there are only three days rather than three months to go before the election. People are very confused and unclear about the relevant arrangements, such as whether the election will be held as scheduled, the actual arrangements, ways to protect themselves, and also the possibility of any consequences. But no answer has been given to all such questions. President, may I ask how the election can be conducted under these circumstances?

President, has the Government drawn up any contingency plans? According to Mr Justice Barnabas FUNG, the cut-off time is set at one and a half hours. But when will they draw the line? What will they specifically do when drawing the line? What is the consequence of drawing the line? Will they exclude the votes cast at certain polling stations from the count? Will they declare the elections in certain constituencies to be invalid? Or, will they declare the whole election to be invalid and therefore have to conduct the election all over again? What are the subsequent arrangements? Will the election be postponed for 14 days? What are their follow-up arrangements for the whole election? How will all this affect the Legislative Council Election that follows? Has the Government considered ways to deal with all such scenarios? To say the very least, the Government should have given thoughts to all such questions 2148 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 and provided people with an answer or direction. What is the Government doing?

Under these circumstances, will any fierce boxers such as Muhammad ALI or Bruce LEE agree to fight on the stage with their hands tied behind their back? If they say "No", they will be criticized for their craven rejection of the challenge and fear for defeat. The Government is doing exactly the same thing. It offers the whole Legislative Council, election candidates and their volunteers as an "oblation on the altar" and asks us to sacrifice ourselves, take the blame and bear the consequence. But it has shirked its responsibility and does not dare to admit that it is unable to control the situation and therefore should not proceed with the election.

The Government is unable to ensure people's safe participation in the election and the fair conduct of the election. The Government is unable to explain itself because it is haunted by fear. Even though the Government may be worried that it will be held responsible or reprimanded by the United States, it must not … I do not even want to talk about those rumours about the desire of certain officials to protect the status of their family members as holders of the American Green Card or the British citizenship. As long as everything is within the legal parameters, the British authorities will call a halt to an election if they so wish. The British authorities will refrain from holding a meeting once they have so decided, even though political consideration may be involved. If the British authorities are sued and the Court rules that they have breached the law, they will act on the basis of the court judgment instead. At least, someone among them is willing to take charge of the matter, assume responsibility and show commitment. In the case of Hong Kong, however, it is in a state without government, and nobody is willing to assume responsibility. Who among the Chief Executive, Department Secretaries and also Bureau Directors have come forward and offer an answer to the questions I raised just now? Only Mr Justice Barnabas FUNG. But he has only said that the cut-off time will be set at one and a half hours.

As nobody is willing to accept responsibility, the Government decides to proceed with the election first and leave everything until after the election. When I was a court prosecutor some time ago (meaning the time when I was a barrister), I would give my advice right after a case was assigned to me, or when I had to deal with a request from the other side. I often came across this, "Let it be! Do not take the matter upon yourself. Let us wait for the Court's judgment!" This is totally irresponsible, a sheer waster of court resources. If the prosecutor, the Department of Justice or the client thinks that a case should LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2149 not be pursued, all actions should be stopped. But now, the Government's attitude is to let people and rioters make the judgment and wait for good luck, and it wants to leave everything until the very day of election. The Government's mentality is this. Even if a polling station is under continued attack for one and a half hours that day, with the result that the polling station or the entire constituency must be closed and hundreds of election petitions are lodged subsequently, there is simply no need for the Government to deal with all this because by that time, the incumbent Chief Executive, Department Secretaries, Bureau Directors or even the Chief Justice probably will have left office. This means that by that time, they will not need to deal with all this, and they can leave it with the community without having to do anything. This irresponsible mentality and the refusal to show commitment and make a decision―this is not based on my subjective views or alarmist observation―have been manifested vividly by the Government over the past five months.

Besides this election, the Government has also let our lives, the entire Hong Kong economy and also its lifeline perish on their own. President, what should we do if nobody is willing to accept responsibility? I talk about all this not so much because I want to call a halt to the election, and I have no such intention whatsoever. But I must make it a point to say that the Government is duty-bound to do a sandbox simulation concerning my earlier questions and also those raised by other Members of this Council and give us an answer within these two days explaining how it is going to deal with various scenarios. The Government should not only offer a clear account but also publicize its handling approach very expeditiously and vigorously. Only so doing can hopefully enable the Government to rescue the existing totally unfair and unjust electoral arrangements dominated by an irresponsible attitude within such a tight time frame.

As the Bureau is concerned about the possibility of incidents involving violence and the ensuing chaos, it has announced that no dry goods stalls will be set up in the upcoming Lunar New Year fairs. Isn't it right to say that the authorities should have done something similar for this election in view of the possible sacrifice of many people and also the consequences? Stall operators will not sue the Government for not setting up any dry goods stalls or lodge any petition for this reason. But many lawsuits may ensue after this DC Election. The Government is already very fragile, and many people have been arrested so far. It will be unable to cope even if it devotes a great deal of time because criminal cases are more complicated. I honestly do not know how the 2150 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Department of Justice and the Government can hang on in the face of hundreds of possible election petitions after the election.

President, I so submit.

(Ms Starry LEE indicated her wish to raise a question)

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms Starry LEE, what is your question?

MS STARRY LEE (in Cantonese): I declare that I am a participant in this District Council Election, and that 181 candidates from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong will also participate in the District Council Election.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): The meeting is now suspended until 2:30 pm.

1:26 pm

Meeting suspended.

2:30 pm

Council then resumed.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Ms Claudia MO, please speak.

MS CLAUDIA MO (in Cantonese): The debate on this adjournment motion proposed by Ms YUNG Hoi-yan commenced in this Chamber after the President had given his approval. But quite surprisingly, the Secretary could come here at once and was ready to give an articulate speech with the aid of a script, whereas pro-establishment Members could also have the scripts of their speeches ready before them. They are like participants of a recital competition. This has given LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2151 people the feeling that there is "mutual cooperation" between the pro-establishment camp in the Legislative Council and the Government, and that this kind of seamless cooperation has covered various aspects.

After listening to the speeches of Ms Starry LEE and Mr Paul TSE a moment ago, I even feel that the pro-establishment camp intends to provide the Government with some "ammunition", with a view to bringing forth the cancellation of the District Council ("DC") Election this Sunday for "safety" sake. Safety is honestly important, and I wonder who will reject this assertion. Mr Paul TSE has even told us point-blank his view that the election should not be held at all. But strangely enough, he seems to be one of the election candidates. Well, I must say this is merely a matter of his personal preference, and the topic now under discussion concerns safety. Of course, any incidents involving vandalism or violence are not desirable. Carrie LAM is fond of saying such words as "violence" and "vandalism". But as Members can see, "stopping violence and curbing disorder" in the Government's words should largely be construed to mean "mandating violence and creating disorder". What I mean is that the Government has deliberately created disorder on its master's mandate for the use of violence. This is unacceptable.

The present problem is that in the opinion of Hong Kong people, the Police's unrestrained use of force is totally disproportionate to and incommensurate with protesters' conduct in particular. In general circumstances, the dispersal of protesters should refer to the expulsion of protesters from the scene. If it is necessary to disperse the participants of a protest or unlawful assembly, it will already suffice to expel them from the scene. But as shown in a latest case―namely the happenings at the junction of Nathan Road and Pitt Street in the vicinity of Mong Kok this Monday night―the Police resorted to a siege action, one which resulted in the stacking of people. Afterwards, the Police urged them not to use violence or put up resistance no matter what. The approach currently adopted by the Police to stop violence and curb disorder is precisely a siege tactic. Members can see for themselves how The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is put under siege, and there is no way out for the people inside. Instead of dispersing them, the Police is laying siege to them, and they even regard those who come out to be surrendering. This tactic has agitated the academia. The Chinese counterpart of "surrender" means one's admission to having violated the law. Does the Secretary for Security understand the Chinese language? All along, the Government has tried to incite the emotions of the entire community. Then, it keeps talking about the need to 2152 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 stop violence and curb disorder. This Government's hypocrisy is honestly unrivalled. This is not the first time that the Police have resorted to this siege tactic―just like staging a gladiator combat or animal fight in confinement―for the purpose of ensnaring them all in one go. I am afraid there will be more and more such instances, and this will not be the last time. Recently, we noticed the use of this tactic in places such as shopping malls. One example is that after driving people into a shopping mall, the Police refused to let anyone leave the mall via a passageway connecting it to an MTR station. This is a precise manifestation of the siege tactic with the aim of ensnaring them all in one go.

Have Members noticed that the slogan chanted by protesters has evolved from "Hongkongers, add oil!" at the very beginning to "Hongkongers, resist!" and further to "Hongkongers, retaliate!" now? Why is that so? Why should the Government refuse to come forward and say something constructive? The Government should say, "Let us try"―it should at least give it a try―"to solve the problem at root." It should not keep using violence … I mean it should not adopt forceful means to eliminate those who bring up a problem. If the Government really wants to restore social stability and bring forth a fair and impartial election, it should do its work with a serious attitude.

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs is sitting here. But his portfolio basically has nothing to do with the handling of violence as he is merely a civil official responsible for policy matters. What can he do to address the issue of safety which people have been talking about these days? In case of an incident, he must follow the instructions of the Security Bureau or the so-called Crisis Management Committee. The election will be cancelled or postponed if they say so. They are the very ones who call the shot, and he can only follow their order. He cannot possibly do anything even if he is asked to come here. Now, he has only indicated that certain safety measures have been drawn up, including the deployment of anti-riot police officers at all polling stations this Sunday. Wow! They want to scare people away with this arrangement! Who is the target, may I ask? You will scare away everybody. You claim that for safety sake, anti-riot police officers will be deployed to various polling stations. But it may end up inducing election petitions from candidates who lose the election on the ground that you have scared away those voters who long for peace. Do you realize that? Who is the culprit of the present dilemma?

Ms Starry LEE said to the effect that any cases involving unfair election conduct should be reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2153

("ICAC"). But then, after saying to this effect, she nonetheless argued towards the end of her speech that ICAC could not possibly do anything, and she also wondered what could be done. She was right. What can we do then? Even the rule of law cannot offer any solution. I came across one case. A news television footage of the Radio Television Hong Kong captures the whole process of how an inmate of an elderly home was escorted to a polling station and told to vote for a certain candidate in an election. This instance concerned DAB. I reported this case to ICAC, and it took me as long as some four or five months to get its reply. It told me, somewhat apologetically, that they could not possibly do anything as the family members of the person in question―who was no doubt an elderly person as this was captured on camera―were not willing to come forward again and testify in the incident. May I ask where election fairness or impartiality is? As rightly asserted by Mr CHAN Chi-chuen, all such instances have been in existence all along.

Now, you people put forth "safety" as the reason. On the one hand, you people advocate a necessity for "safety", and on the other hand, you people keep adding fuel to the fire―pouring kerosene on the fire, to be precise. What kind of government is it? In order to truly enable us to have a peaceful election on the upcoming Sunday, you people should stop masquerading and mentioning how the offices of DC members have been vandalized. The fact, as it stands, is that certain DC members from both sides―your side and our side―have sustained damage to their offices. Then, Mr Paul TSE hastened to argue that we should not say something like this―well, he was merely talking about Mr CHAN Chi-chuen at the time rather than such instances―because that did not mean that "two negatives could make a positive". Such talks are simply fanciful, I must say. Even though they just read from their scripts, we are still unable to understand what they are talking about as they keep mumbling away. And after speaking … Anyway, their ultimate purpose is to provide "ammunition" for the Government, in a bid to bring forth the cancellation of the DC Election this Sunday on the ground of safety.

Young people may argue, "It is only a DC election. What is the big deal anyway?" In fact, it is an important event because first, we need the resources of DCs; second, DC members can truly serve people at the community, grass-roots or district level as a start; and third, certain DC representatives can even elect the Chief Executive. Of course, some may say in the end, "All will be fine if you can tell the black-clad people to stop their violence." I wonder what definition can be given to "black-clad people". I say so because Members 2154 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 could see that the perpetrators of the attack on former Democratic Party Chairman Albert HO all dressed in black. What is the message behind this? All of us should know the answer very well deep down our heart. Thank you.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): As I have noticed, Ms Claudia MO asserted just now that after Ms YUNG Hoi-yan rose to propose an adjournment motion under Rule 16(2) of the Rules of Procedure, I gave my approval forthwith, the public officer concerned was able to come to the Legislative Council at once and have his scripts ready, and all pro-establishment Members could likewise have their scripts ready. She contended that there was seamless cooperation among the several parties. I believe Ms MO might have missed what I said at the meeting yesterday. Before asking Ms YUNG Hoi-yan to explain the grounds for proposing her adjournment motion, I already indicated that before the meeting, Ms YUNG had informed me in writing about her intention to propose the motion. But I do not know whether Ms YUNG also disclosed to the Government or other Members her intention to propose the motion. I hope the Member can stop accusing the President of unfair treatment based on mere speculation.

Dr Fernando CHEUNG, please speak.

DR FERNANDO CHEUNG (in Cantonese): President, it is less than one week before we have the District Council Election. We definitely hope that the election can be held as scheduled. I wish that the SAR Government will not resort to any excuse to postpone or even cancel the District Council ("DC") Election.

President, I believe that all people in Hong Kong or even in the world know that Hong Kong is now facing a very huge crisis, controversy or social conflict of unprecedentedly massive scale. When the community is facing such an enormous conflict or being torn so badly apart, an election can provide an opportunity for the public to voice their opinions or to express their views peacefully, safely and rationally with their votes. Hence, many colleagues say that this election is akin to a referendum.

Which side do you take in this controversy? Do you think that the Government and the Police are correct and doing right, or do you think that the protesters have good grounds while many social grievances are attributed to the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2155 undesirable handling approach of the Government? On the international level, the opposite side of the pro-establishment camp is the opposition camp. But I think in Hong Kong, it is not the opposition camp but the democratic camp. There has been confrontation between these two camps. However, President, the confrontation this time is more conspicuous and the contradiction has never been so acute. If this election cannot be held as scheduled, we can foresee more severe turmoil and more anger in society. Since the Government has repeatedly emphasized stopping violence and curbing disorder, we wish that it will not meddle with this election with any trick in order to postpone or even cancel the election, as this will send a very negative message that the public are even deprived of the opportunity to go to the polling stations to cast their votes and to express their opinions peacefully.

We shall not forget that this is more than a single DC Election. DCs have over 400 seats. After many years of efforts, they have already obtained more and more resources or power in district planning. Apart from this, very often, a DC dictates the provision of public facilities, including transport, medical and health facilities, and other basic services related to people's livelihood. These more than 400 DC members can run for six seats in the Legislative Council, and then can run for the seats in the Election Committee ("EC"). In last term's EC, DCs had 117 seats while the Legislative Council had 70 seats, among which 6 seats were related to DCs as they were returned by DC members. This is very important. The above mentioned 117 seats were returned by two subsectors, namely the Hong Kong and Kowloon District Councils Subsector and the New Territories District Councils Subsector, accounting for 10% of all EC members. Despite their seemingly small number in EC with a membership of 1 200 people, they can always influence the result.

Looking back at history, there were less than 1 100 people voting in the latest Chief Executive Election. If a candidate could get hold of more than 500 votes from EC, he would have a high chance of becoming the Chief Executive. Last time, EC had the so-called "Democrats 300+" coalition, meaning that the democratic camp had over 300 seats in EC. The number of votes for John TSANG together with WOO Kwok-hing was over 400 votes in total, and thus the addition of 117 votes from DC members in EC could certainly sway the result.

Therefore, this District Council Election is by far the most important election, and we cannot miss it. I hope that the Secretary can listen carefully 2156 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 that you should not gamble with the future, safety and social stability of Hong Kong. He wants to win and take complete control of the situation, but still he has to follow the rules of the game. The ultimate aim of any social movement is to carry out some institutional reforms, and this election is exactly providing a chance allowed under the institution for the public to carry out some institutional reforms. It is not advisable to forcibly change the rules of the game, but in fact, the authorities have been doing so. The recent example is the disqualification of certain candidates or those who were elected. However, the authorities have to stop doing that, because every time they do it, they do more harm to Hong Kong; every time they do it, they add to people's grievances. This movement is attributed to the Government, because over the years, the Government has not been following the rules in many incidents. It has been going back on its words, constantly deceiving the public, lying through its teeth that the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong " and "high degree of autonomy" are all safeguarded by the Basic Law, but all these promises have been withering as a result.

This time, the public have an opportunity to voice their views through their votes. If you say that we are very scared of election violence, I can tell you that Stanley HO, a candidate from my political party, was attacked by four men in the town centre of Sai Kung on 29 September and was seriously injured.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr CHEUNG, please stop for a moment. I have to remind Members again that in order not to affect the election which has to be conducted in a fair manner, when Members speak, they shall not convey any message which may be considered as promoting or prejudicing the election of any candidates at an election or may achieve similar effect. When Members speak, they shall not mention a person by his name or make any implication of supporting or not supporting a certain candidate; shall not comment on the merits or demerits of individual candidates; shall not comment on any news report or rumour unsubstantiated by facts but which may promote or prejudice the election of any candidates at an election; and shall not display any object which may achieve the above mentioned effect.

Dr Fernando CHEUNG, please continue.

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DR FERNANDO CHEUNG (in Cantonese): President, I notice that in the motion for the adjournment of the Council moved by Ms YUNG Hoi-yan, it mentions that any candidate and his election team should not be subject to any violent attack. I am now precisely talking about these violent attacks. I will not only mention one candidate, but will speak on all the violent attacks to my knowledge. Nonetheless, Stanley HO was really seriously injured. I visited him at the hospital and learnt that he had bone fractures on both arms, needed stitches on his head wound, and had many bruises on his back, arms and legs. His situation was very serious.

On 11 November, Ming Pao listed out some incidents relating to some candidates of DC Election being attacked: On 8 October, Jannelle LEUNG, a candidate of the constituency of Yuet Wah in Kwun Tong District, was attacked by an old man who hit the back of her head with a hard object from behind. On 12 October, CHAU Hui-yan, a candidate of the constituency of City Garden in Eastern District, was pushed by a man at a street counter in the evening, and that man even hit her head with his hand. On 25 October, Brandon YIP, a candidate of the constituency of Wai King in Sai Kung District, was called a cockroach by a man who then grabbed his neck and pushed him down. When Brandon YIP fell down, the back of his head bumped violently against a glass door. On 5 November, Zoe LEUNG, a candidate of the constituency of Sai Kung Central in Sai Kung District, was splashed with faeces after she had set up her street counter. On 6 November, Junius HO, a candidate of the constituency of Lok Tsui in Tuen Mun District, and his assistant were attacked by a man with a knife outside Richland Shopping Arcade. On the same day, Benny YEUNG, a candidate of the constituency of Yau Ma Tei South in Yau Tsim Mong District, was kicked and also splashed with unknown liquid by a black-clad man after he had set up his street counter. On 16 November, CHIANG Man-ching, a candidate of the constituency of Fung Tsui in North District, was attacked by people with punches and kicks, and his head and arms were injured. Jimmy SHAM, a candidate of the constituency of Lek Yuen in Sha Tin District, was seriously attacked two times, and sustained very serious injuries in the recent attack, which I do not need to go into details. Our colleague, KWONG Chun-yu, was also attacked in Tin Shui Wai and this incident was widely reported.

President, I only randomly read out from the report but there are already a number of attacks in which the names of the candidates, ways of attacking and locations of the incidents are clearly recorded. These violent incidents should definitely be severely condemned and must be stopped. An election must be 2158 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 conducted in a fair and equitable manner. The effects of intimidation or white terror should not be created through violence to deter candidates from running in the election or deter voters from going to the polling stations to cast their votes. I hope that the authorities can strictly enforce the law instead of paying lip service to stopping violence and curbing disorder and then going into hiding.

This spate of violence is obviously related to DC Election. How can the Government ensure the safety of the candidates of DC Election so that the election on that day can be safely conducted, while all people can participate in that election without any fear? This is the responsibility of the authorities, and so please do not make or find any excuse again. If the Government is incompetent or deliberately makes any excuse, it will only trigger further social disturbances. Given that the Government has laid down the rules of this game itself, I would sincerely ask it to follow these rules properly instead of employing some unorthodox means. Election is the most civilized and peaceful way to resolve problems. If even this way is messed up or distorted, the rules laid down are recklessly tampered and the promises are easily broken, there will never be days of peace in society.

President, I so submit.

MR ANDREW WAN (in Cantonese): President, it is actually very ironic that the pro-establishment camp has proposed this motion, saying that the election has to be held in a fair and just manner and be rid of any violence.

President, in the 20 years after the reunification, no elections held was fair. It is only a matter of degree. In the past two days, many Members said they had been mobbed and hurled abuse at. Are they the only one to have such encounters? Democratic Members were also hurled abusive words at by those pro-establishment members of the public. Has the Government spoken up for us? Have they spoken up for us?

Some Members claim they have been hit. Yes, in the past few days when I made district visits, I was also mobbed. My clothes were pulled in the scuffles. People threatened me that they would beat me up. A colleague of ours was bitten and his ear was bitten off. He is our party member CHIU Ka-yin. Some people of the democratic camp were chased after and struck with a hammer and were badly hurt. They said, in this Chamber, that their banners and posters were torn. Are they the only one who has run into this situation? Over the past LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2159 years, we have received these "special treatments" from their supporters countless times. Would they please do not talk about being doxxed. They should go to the HK Leaks website and search which side of the people are being doxxed more.

Talking about smearing, President, I just read a magazine. I do not know the magazine was printed by which pro-establishment Member. I believe it is published by people of their camp because it adulates the pro-establishment camp, going into great details. The magazine is an expensive production. President, does it undermine election fairness? I have already skipped talking about the suspected vote-buying, vote-rigging and intimidation happened in the past.

Members of clansmen associations would come up a voter's home, give him a pat on the back and remind him that his family member's application to come to Hong Kong is being processed, and then ask him not to vote for a certain candidate. This was something frequently happened in the past. Has the Government done anything to deal with this problem? The Government has done nothing in the past 20 years. Certainly, the present situation is not desirable. We are not saying that it is desirable. But I just find it ridiculous that Members of the pro-establishment camp would come out and share their bitter experience, saying that the election is unfair. It has been unfair for a long time. They are the least qualified to talk about this.

President, nevertheless, we agree that we should defend election fairness. But who is the culprit that has turned this matter into the present situation? It is our SAR Government and a group of pro-establishment Members who have taken the side of the evil-doer. The latter supports the Government to press ahead with the "extradition bill" and push society into the present situation. It is them who stir up this trouble. Am I correct? How come they still dare to shirk the responsibility here? One million people, and then two million people, took to the street. Was there any disorder at that time? Was there anyone setting fire on things? Or beating anyone? Yes, there were. We were the one being beaten. Why did they not speak out at that time? They condone police brutality. They condone collaboration between the Police and triad societies. They condone the acts of the "blue-ribbon" supporters for so long that the matter has turned into the present situation. People are only fighting back to protect themselves. President, this is a Government-driven revolt by the people.

2160 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Over the past five months, the pro-establishment Members have talked about violence a lot. Yes. But they have not looked at the matter according to the time sequence. Did they see any violent scene in the first three or four months? Who were being targeted? Just now, many of our colleagues talked about the Police, triad societies and the "blue-ribbon" supporters. It is they who have created violence. It is the Police whose brutality has created disorder in society. It is the collaboration between the Police and triad societies that have created the "21 July" incident and the "31 August" incident. All Hongkongers know about this.

President, how did police officers enforce the law? They shot at people's eyes; they beat protesters with batons; they opened fire; and they run people over with their vehicles. Can we accept these acts? It is they who have caused the uproar in society, to such an abnormal state that people revolted against the Government. The present situation is certainly undesirable. But do not blame only the people who have revolted. To solve the matter, we must find out the crux of it. But I do not think the pro-establishment Member who have spoken have honestly told the truth. They only say that there have been many violent incidents over the past five months, and they have pushed the timeline by putting all the blame on the protesters now.

Have they mentioned that the Police turned a blind eye to the "blue-ribbon" supporters who beat other people up and bit a person's ear off? Have they said anything about the people who wielded a knife to hurt others and beat others with batons in North Point and Tsuen Wan? Or have they mentioned one of the people who distributed flyers in Tin Shui Wai and Tseung Kwan O was attacked and his stomach was cut open? These incidents are certainly undesirable. Like I said in my previous speech, we do not think these incidents are acceptable or desirable, including the incident concerning Mr Junius HO who was attacked. But has anyone tried to stop these incidents from happening? No, President.

The pro-establishment camp still expresses support to police brutality. Pregnant women, children and students are harassed. They were only holding hands in front of their schools to express their opposition to police brutality. But they were also beaten by police officers who rushed out from somewhere. They were only 10-odd-year-old students. School classes resumed yesterday. Why were there police officers at school entrances and in metro stations? It is now a sin to be young. Young people are being targeted at, pressurized and threatened. Is this desirable?

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President, a few days ago, police officers abused their power and made indiscriminate arrests. They even fired tear gas rounds into people's homes. It happened in Sha Tin. Dr QUAT was speaking here just now. Did she speak for the residents? President, if they want to talk about violence, then this is where violence originates. When society was peaceful in the past, everyone said that Hong Kong people were awesome. The pro-establishment Members said that there used to be no chaos even when 2 million people took to the street and that it showed the quality of Hong Kong people. Who created the situation now? It is they who condone the Police.

The "blue-ribbon" supporters beat people up and hurt people with knives. The Police patted them on the back and condoned their acts. They sorted things out for them and then allowed them to leave. All these have been recorded. This is the origin of the problem. Have they said anything about this? President, to date, there are still people who just enlarge the incidents which happened in recent months. They just see a tree, but they do not see the forest. This cannot help solve the problem.

The culture of vigilantism was generated under the connivance of the pro-establishment camp, the Police Force and the Government. It is now almost out of control and has evolved into using violence to replace violence. This is certainly undesirable. President, even if you ask the people who come out to fight back whether this is desirable, they will not find this desirable. It is because they have to pay the price. They have to go to prison. Why do they still insist on doing so? Has the Government done a self-review and see what it has done wrong? The assemblies and movement were "peaceful, rational and non-violent" in the past. It is the Government's actions that have driven people into revolts. President, it is at this juncture that people would risk their lives to fight back.

Many government departments and public organizations have performed poorly in connection with this movement. In the beginning of the movement, has anyone stirred up any chaos in the MTR? No. Some even praised the MTR Corporation Limited ("MTRCL") for doing a good job. However, after being criticized by the Central Government, the MTR Corporation became the "Metro of the Communist Party"; and from then onwards, MTR facilities were vandalized. Why have Members not pointed out this causal relationship?

President, in fact, the Government absolutely has the ability to deal with the abnormal state now. It only has to slightly respond to the demands in society. There are only four out of the five demands left. The Government can 2162 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 respond to some of them, such as establishing an independent commission of inquiry. Why can it not do so? It is justified to look into police brutality. We will not oppose extending the scope of the inquiry to cover other people. Just include them all into the inquiry. But why does the Government refuse to do so? Many pro-establishment Members have changed their stance on the independent commission of inquiry when they speak. But the Government still refuses to do so. Have the responsible officials of the Government taken the responsibility and stepped down? No. President, how could the Government stop the violence?

Now, not only is the Government unwilling to stop violence, but it is also fanning up the fire. The MTRCL says that some of the MTR stations are under attack and cannot be reopened. But we see that some of the entry gates are not damaged, but they are covered and not open for use. Even the MTRCL admits that this observation is true, but it excuses itself on its concern that the situation may change. The operation of some MTR Stations is now suspended. But the train frequency actually drops. Who creates this problem? Is it the biggest shareholder of the MTRCL (i.e. the Government) who places this order? Is this some sort of measure to influence people how to vote? Is this a measure to influence public sentiments?

The Tolo Highway was reopened earlier. People thought there could be reconciliation. But has the Government opened the entire highway? The Government still sealed off most of the highway and stalled the matter for one whole day and only opened one of the lanes for the traffic. It is the Government who delayed the opening of the highway. I truly suspect the intention of the Government. The traffic lights are damaged. It is certainly undesirable. But it is because public sentiments exploded. Who want to see such an end result? These are dead objects. These facilities can be repaired. These facilities used to be repaired in one or two days when they were damaged by typhoon. Why are these facilities left unrepaired after one or two weeks? Does the Government deliberately do so?

President, I am worried whether the Government truly wishes to hold a fair and just election; or, whether it wishes to proactively create some unfavourable factors. People are also worried whether some people would ask help from triad societies to self-created, directed and executed again something which happened before. All Hongkongers know about the "21 July" incident and the "31 August" incident I just mentioned. Yesterday, the "axes gang" appeared. Buddies, some people intimidated and beat people up with axes in their hands. Will the same thing happen on the polling day? Will there be people holding LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2163 knives and batons? Will people self-create, direct and execute again what happened before? People have lost their faith when they saw the collaboration between the Police and triad societies.

Some people saw some police officers who dressed like terrorists with their face masked appeared at Sheung Shui MTR Station. Some people asked the Police at their press conference the next day what these police officers were doing, and the police officer replied they were investigating a case. But why do police officers have to dress like Taliban to investigate a case? The MTR Station was then vandalized. What has happened? President, people find this very suspicious. Are there some people who want to self-create, direct and execute again something which happened before and be sure of its success? Some people saw a team of police officers running out from somewhere. Some people stopped the police officers but were then threatened and scolded by them using their guns. What was this all about? People with a clear mind would know what it was all about.

President, I wish to warn the Government, all pro-establishment Members and triad members who want to ruin this election not to do such things. This will be very unwise. I also wish to warn the Government here that if it wants to ruin this election, it will have to sacrifice the entire community because it will fan up the fire and create a major constitutional problem. This covers also the Legislative Council Election and Chief Executive Election to be held later, and this will make the problem even harder to be handled. In fact, the constitutional problem comes only the second. The worst thing is that the Government is unwilling to stop until the present social uproars turn into a revolution, something the Beijing Government does not want Hongkongers to mention. Would the Government please lay down its butcher's knife and repent.

President, I hope Members of the pro-establishment camp do not put the blame on others. They are the culprits. Would they please take the blame. If the Government truly wishes to let the already boiling public sentiments be expressed through a fair and reasonable election and let public anger be vented through the election system, I hope we can jointly let this election be held; otherwise, I am afraid that the Government, as well as our entire society, will have to bear the outcome of a failed election together. This will definitely be something no Hongkonger wishes to see.

President, I so submit. Here, I urge the Government to ensure that the election can be successfully held in a fair, just and reasonable manner. Thank you, President.

2164 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

MR FRANKIE YICK (in Cantonese): President, first of all, I would like to thank Ms YUNG Hoi-yan for moving this adjournment motion because the District Council ("DC") Election, held once every four years, will be held three days later.

DC is a district advisory body mainly responsible for advising the Government on district issues including public facilities, environmental hygiene and transport. However, the DC Election this year has focused less on various district issues and it has a very rich political tint. This is not very fair to candidates who have been working quietly in the districts and committed to serving the residents. The efforts they made for the district in the past have been completely neglected.

Some voters no longer consider the candidates' performance in the districts but focus on their political orientations. Candidates with different political views will be the targets of attack or nuisance. The offices of some candidates have been vandalized, the street boards and publicity materials of some candidates have been damaged, and some candidates have even become targets of attacks. One of the assaulted candidates is a Member of the Legislative Council. He was attacked early this month at a street booth in Tuen Mun. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured. These uncivilized acts are taking place in Hong Kong and sadly, it has become a trend.

Precisely because of such endless violence in society, this DC Election is different from the past. First of all, the briefing session for candidates of the DC Election was forced to abort amidst chaos; the candidates' election campaigns generally tend to be low-profile as shops in the districts dare not allow candidates to display posters for fear of being "renovated" by people with different political views; only a few candidates have set up street booths, and the atmosphere is desolate. When candidates cannot have contacts with voters in the districts, how can voters have the opportunity to have exchanges with candidates? How can the election be fair and impartial?

Although both the pan-democratic and the pro-establishment camps hope that the DC Election can be held smoothly this Sunday, conflicts have increasingly intensified and escalated these few days. I have just saw a text message on the Internet but I am not sure if it is true or fake. The text message mentioned that some people have started to attack people rather than lifeless objects, and the situation is getting more and more scary. Since last week, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2165 violent protests have occurred almost every day in various districts. In Sheung Shui, a person unfortunately died after being hit by a brick in a fight. Massive violent clashes also took place near the campuses of five universities, and the situation was most severe at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The university campus has become a battlefield and petrol bombs have been hurled incessantly, arousing worries about whether the DC Election can be held smoothly this Sunday.

In late August this year, the Economist Intelligence Unit published the Safe Cities Index. Hong Kong's ranking fell from 9th two years ago to 20th. Although the ranking has not taken into account the impact of the disturbances related to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, the Economist Intelligence Unit has clearly stated that if rioters continue to attack infrastructure, if political instability escalates, if there is civil strife or if police community relations cannot be mended, it is very likely that Hong Kong's scores will continue to decline. The Liberal Party believes that the most pressing task is to stop acts of violence as soon as possible, so as to allow all sectors of the community to become rational again and restore order.

In fact, there are rumours on the Internet that in the afternoon of the day of the DC Election on 24 November, some protesters will charge polling stations and block roads to stop voters from voting, and the Election cannot be held. There are appeals that members of the public should vote as early as possible. Rumour also has it that the Polling Assistants will classify the political views of voters according to their age. For voters do not have the same political views, their ballot papers will be intentionally destroyed to become invalid. All such rumours have caused anxiety among members of the public who intend to fulfil their civic responsibilities. Some voters may abstain from voting for security reasons, making it impossible for the DC Election to be conducted fairly.

President, Hong Kong has always been a pluralistic and inclusive society. We should express our views in a peaceful and rational manner, and respect the views of others. Although the law allows the Electoral Affairs Commission to postpone a DC election for up to two weeks, it is believed that there will not be any changes after two weeks. Moreover, postponing the DC Election will only send another negative message, misleading foreign countries into thinking that the situation in Hong Kong is deplorable. To ensure that the DC Election can be held as scheduled and smoothly on 24 November, I hope the Government will deploy more police officers on that day to patrol the communities and guard 2166 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 polling stations. It should also formulate comprehensive and detailed contingency measures. If rumours on the Internet come true, i.e. black-clad people charge polling stations and obstruct people from voting, what will the Government do? Will there be a fallback polling station? Under what circumstances will a polling station be closed or re-opened? It is hoped that the Government will ensure that voters can safely complete the voting process and that the DC Election will be held in a fair, just and orderly manner.

A democratic society should be tolerant of different opinions but recently, people with different political views are violently treated, which is indeed an unhealthy trend. A democratic society should have fair and just elections; thus, the Liberal Party hopes that DC Election on 24 November can manifest the behaviour expected of in a democratic society.

President, if violence continues to intensify and spread to all sectors of the community, Hong Kong will be doomed eternally. The Liberal Party urges all sectors to stop violence immediately. For the future of Hong Kong, I urge all parties to become rational again by dealing with differences in a pragmatic manner and resolving disputes through peaceful and rational negotiations, so that society can get back on track as soon as possible. Destructing our society is easy but rebuilding very difficult, and cannot be completed overnight. Once Hong Kong loses its advantages, other competitors in the region will catch up and even take our place. It will then be difficult for Hong Kong to regain the vitality and glamour of an international metropolis.

The Liberal Party sincerely hopes that, for the well-being of Hong Kong and our next generation, all sectors of the community should say no to violence by voting in the DC Election on 24 November.

President, with these remarks, I support Ms YUNG Hoi-yan's adjournment motion.

DR CHIANG LAI-WAN (in Cantonese): President, first of all, I would like to thank Ms YUNG Hoi-yan for moving this adjournment motion. The District Council ("DC") Election, held once every four years, will be held three days later on the coming Sunday. As we all know, the community is very chaotic. I dare say that candidates in each district are faced with threats and intimidation every LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2167 day. Some candidates have even dug into their pockets to buy stab proof clothing after Mr Junius HO was stabbed because they are all very frightened and have to protect themselves. Some candidates have also bought small fire extinguishers because some of them have had petrol bombs thrown at them and they are all scared. We put our hearts into serving the people, which is a noble aspiration, but why are we under such serious threats?

Let us leave aside for the time being the question on fairness of publicity work. As regards the 31 August incident, some claim that six people died from broken necks inside the Prince Edward MTR Station. A shrine has been set for people to mourn the dead and pay their respect, and people are hired to perform funeral rituals. People go to great lengths to twist the facts. I can stand no more and have thus made an appeal on my social media web page: If any parents who suspect that their children's disappearance or death is linked to the 31 August incident, they can contact me so that I would follow up on their behalf. I have made this appeal for two months, no parents, no one, have contacted me. Why? That is because all they want is to smear the entire Police Force and the Government.

I have just received a message. Someone has moved the paper mourning shrine to the Tsuen Wan MTR Station, and affixed their propaganda materials all over the place. No sooner has a Lennon Wall been cleared, it is immediately affixed with propaganda leaflets; all contain twisted facts. Here is a leaflet that contains twisted facts. I saw it today. My colleagues brought it to me hurriedly. I told them to tear it down. However, some people are now standing next to the leaflets and they will beat up anyone who tries to tear down the leaflets. People have written, in the leaflets, that the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong ("DAB") has done this and that, trying to vilify us. Is that fair and just?

Many colleagues have mentioned that at present many people, old and young, are afraid that they would be berated or pushed when they go to vote. An elderly person can easily suffer from bone fracture when he is being pushed. What can we do about that? In a fair and just election, all votes are by secret ballot. Why? In this way, candidates and voters will not be threatened to take certain action. However, all districts are now under threat, which is unfair in itself. Under such an unfair environment, DAB finally held a pledge ceremony this morning. There are 181 DAB members running for the DC Election. We 2168 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 are not afraid of autocracy and will forge ahead courageously because over the years, we have done a lot of work in the districts, unlike some masked people who walk into the districts and last month …

(Mr CHU Hoi-dick indicated his wish to raise a point of order)

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr CHIANG, please hold on. Mr CHU Hoi-dick, what is your point of order?

MR CHU HOI-DICK (in Cantonese): President, just now I heard that you remind Members not to make any comments in their speech that will promote or not promote the election of a candidate. I just heard Dr CHIANG Lai-wan clearly state that over 100 candidates from DAB held a pledge ceremony this morning, and that they would not fear autocracy. I hope you will make a ruling.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I have reminded Members, but Dr CHIANG Lai-wan was just stating the facts. She did not ask people to vote or not to vote for anyone. But anyhow, to err on the side of caution, I have to remind Members again that they should try to avoid as far as possible conveying messages that will promote or prejudice the election of any candidate.

Dr CHIANG Lai-wan, please continue.

DR CHIANG LAI-WAN (in Cantonese): President, I got it. I heard your advice that we should not mention the names of individual candidate and I have tried to do so. But I get what you mean.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Members also should not make comments that will prompt voters to support or not to support any candidate. Please continue.

DR CHIANG LAI-WAN (in Cantonese): Alright. DAB candidates for the DC Election have worked very hard in the districts over the years. All they are waiting for is 24 November, the day on which the once-every-four-years DC LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2169

Election is held. Now people are spreading the rumour that the pro-establishment camp and DAB do not want the DC Election to be held as scheduled; and because we are afraid, we are conspiring with the Government to deter the election as far as possible. For example, the Police arrested a number of Legislative Council Members on 8 November for violating the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance ("the Ordinance"). Immediately after their arrest, these Members told the people of Hong Kong in front of the camera that they were arrested because the Government hoped that their arrest …

(After Mr Jeremy TAM had indicated his wish to raise a question, Dr CHIANG Lai-wan pointed at him immediately)

DR CHIANG LAI-WAN (in Cantonese): He wants to speak. Let him speak.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Jeremy TAM, what is your point of order?

MR JEREMY TAM (in Cantonese): President, a point of order. As the case mentioned by Dr CHIANG Lai-wan has already entered into legal proceedings, she should not comment on it. Thank you.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I understand. Dr CHIANG Lai-wan, please be careful with what you say.

DR CHIANG LAI-WAN (in Cantonese): I will be careful, but I am quoting the remarks made by the arrested Members to the media. President, immediately after their arrest, they told the people of Hong Kong that the Police arrested them to add fuel to the fire, hoping that more people who support them would join in the protest against the Government, thereby inciting more riots in the community. In fact, they have subconsciously admitted that they were somehow related to the social riots, but they did not know why the Police made the arrest on 8 November. We all know that they violated the Ordinance on 5 November in this Chamber, and in accordance with …

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PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr CHIANG, please avoid as far as possible mentioning cases awaiting trial. Please continue with your speech.

DR CHIANG LAI-WAN (in Cantonese): President, I was only quoting their remarks to the media, which was published in newspapers. I was only quoting newspapers reports. They have indeed violated the Ordinance. As they violated the Ordinance in this Chamber on 5 November and in accordance with the law, the Police have to arrest them within six months. That is why the Police arrested them on 8 November, the last Friday …

(Mr Jeremy TAM indicated his wish to raise a point of order)

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Jeremy TAM, what is your point of order?

MR JEREMY TAM (in Cantonese): President, I have made it very clear and you have also reminded Dr CHIANG Lai-wan, not once, but twice. If she continues to make such comment after you, as President, have reminded her again and she keeps on acting like this, should you give her a warning, or even if she continues repeatedly … I do not care what the case is but for any case that has entered into legal proceedings, if she keeps on mentioning it, you should warn her, or even stop her from speaking. Thank you, President.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I have heard Dr CHIANG Lai-wan mention the case and I have reminded her. However, she pointed out that she was quoting from the newspapers, which means the information is accessible to everyone. Nevertheless, Dr CHIANG Lai-wan, you should avoid mentioning any case that has entered into legal proceedings and you should not send out any message that can be deemed as promoting or prejudicing the election of any candidate. Dr CHIANG, please continue with your speech.

(Mr CHU Hoi-dick indicated his wish to raise a point)

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr CHU Hoi-dick, what is your point of order?

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MR CHU HOI-DICK (in Cantonese): President, I am one of the defendants in the case mentioned by Dr CHIANG Lai-wan. Dr CHIANG clearly said just now that a number of Members violated the Ordinance, but according to the presumption of innocence under the common law, we are only suspected of violating the Ordinance. I hope that Dr CHIANG Lai-wan will look into this and make a clarification. Thank you.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr CHIANG Lai-wan, do you wish to clarify?

DR CHIANG LAI-WAN (in Cantonese): Yes, "suspected" of violating the Ordinance.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr CHIANG, please continue.

DR CHIANG LAI-WAN (in Cantonese): However, President, many Members spoke in these two days and I have never stopped them. But they were watching me with hostility. As soon as I started to speak, they immediately rushed downstairs to this Chamber for fear that I would speak the truth because they know I like to speak the truth, unlike them hypocrites. Therefore, they have repeatedly interrupted my speech, and I have to rise up and sit down two or three times. What are they afraid of? They have a guilty conscience. Why should one be afraid if his conscience is clear? I was quoting from the newspapers, right? They need not worry.

It is like what Dr Fernando CHEUNG did just now. Dr Fernando CHEUNG is very honest. Two months ago at a press conference, he urged social workers to join in the riot the next day. He later retracted the word "riot", explaining that it was only a spur-of-the-moment remark and he had meant to say strike. That did not matter. According to the theory of psychology, a spur-of-the-moment remark reflects the innermost thought of a person and what one really has in mind at that moment. It is the truest and most hidden thought of a person. Hence, does this riot have a great deal to do with the opposition Members? We cannot help suspecting.

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In this riot … Who is now disrupting a fair and just election? Let us not discuss the question of whether there is a leader in the movement. Why did the United States introduce the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act? We will not discuss this question; we will just discuss one point, i.e. do they support violence? May I ask them to clearly state if they support disrupting social order with violence. They dare not make a statement, do they? Why? That is because while they have clearly stated that they do not support violence, the situation has deteriorated to such a state that has got out of hand, and they have nothing to do with it. They have not expected the situation would turn out this way. Do they have any regrets now? If so, they should sever ties, but they do not dare do so. Why are they so evasive? As Members, how can they act like that, have they gone against their conscience? Have they let the voters of their constituencies down? Have they let the general public in Hong Kong down?

Will elections in any community, any region and any country always be smooth sailing? Many are not. But never has a place experienced a direr situation than that of Hong Kong. The pro-establishment camp is severely smeared. One of my offices has been vandalized six times. Why is it so? How come we have come to this pass? Dr Fernando CHEUNG has, by a slip of tongue, revealed the truth. He said that they had done a great deal to turn the situation into such a state and the coming DC election would be a de facto referendum. What did he mean by turning an election into a referendum? He meant that they wanted a reform and they wanted to rule Hong Kong eventually. I was shocked when I heard that. President, Dr Fernando CHEUNG told members of the public that they could not afford any mistakes.

I call upon all voters in Hong Kong to vote on Sunday. Please use your votes to choose between violence and peace. Please sever ties with violence and say no to violence.

I so submit.

MR WILSON OR (in Cantonese): President, first of all, I would like to thank Ms YUNG Hoi-yan for moving this adjournment motion. It has allowed sufficient time for this Council to conduct a comprehensive debate, so that members of the public can have a clearer picture and know what is going on with the coming District Council ("DC") Election.

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President, we are only three days away from the polling date of the DC Election. Some members of the public want me to, via this platform today, tell the Administration, especially the Secretary who is now present at the meeting, their two ardent wishes for the DC Election to be held on 24 November. Their wishes are "going to vote happily" and "returning home safely". In fact, the demand of the people is very simple. They wish to take part in the coming DC Election, which is held once every four years, as this is not only an election we have taken pride in for many years, but also highlights the people's right to choose in district administration work.

However, members of the public often urge me to ask the Government how it would create a safe, fair and just environment for them to realize their wish. Honestly, I learnt about the two wishes of "going to vote happily" and "returning home safely" from a lady in her forties and fifties at my street booth this morning. She said, "Wilson, since a debate will be held at the Legislative Council today, I hope that you will speak to make people's voices heard." Therefore, I hope that the Secretary will, in his response later, assure Hong Kong people that they will be able to vote this Sunday.

President, I would like to reiterate that the position of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong ("DAB") and I is very clear. We have not requested the Government to postpone the coming Election, which has nonetheless given rise to rumours in the community that the Government might call off the Election. As I often said, election has always been the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success and a prerequisite for district administration work.

All candidates standing for an election have their own aspirations, election platforms and views, and whether or not they like construction, members of the public should know how to choose. Notwithstanding this, our grave concern is that there may not be a fair, just and safe environment for members of the public to fulfil their civic responsibility to vote, and this is why they feel so puzzled. Therefore, I would like to reiterate our position in this debate in the first place.

In these few days and even this week, many people often saw the Secretary or the relevant government team explaining in the media the conditions and circumstances required for a fair election to be conducted. Secretary, it is easier said than done. Members of the public are worried if the Government can really create the conditions and circumstances required.

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Since we are the representatives of the people, kaifongs often make enquiries with us and request us to follow up some issues. They may also put forward improvement proposals and urge us to honour our election pledges. All these show that people have trust in the Government and the representatives elected by them. I would like to make this clear to the Secretary.

President, I do have a strong feeling about the coming election and realize that this election is different from those held previously. I trust that Members from different political parties and groupings in this Chamber are well aware that all previous elections were conducted in a fair and safe manner. I clearly remember that when we as candidates carried out canvassing activities and solicited support from members of the public in the past, we often met people with different political views or opinions who would at the most refuse to take our leaflets, glare at us or utter a couple of unpleasant remarks. However, in this DC Election, I believe not only members of the public, but also candidates and even Members now present at the meeting who help in the electioneering, have strong feelings about the situation.

President, elections provide a platform for members of the public to choose the candidates they prefer, regardless of whether they belong to the pro-establishment camp, pan-democratic camp or are independent candidates. People have a choice, which is precisely their aspiration. Therefore, I consider it necessary to conduct the DC Election on 24 November as scheduled.

Many friends asked me, "Wilson, the DC Election is around the corner, but does everyone know the functions of DCs and the work of DC members?" President, I would like to tell the people of my constituency in particular that DCs are local organizations and advisory bodies at the district level. In 1982, with the rise of district administration, the British Hong Kong Government back then wished to promote people's participation in district administration affairs. I remember that I had also taken part in the promotion of the Solar Project, which encourages members of the public to register as voters. In fact, one of the functions of DCs is to enable the public to elect their representatives at the district level so as to make their voices heard in the legislature.

Issues of public concern range from transport, environmental hygiene to any kind of construction, for example, the need for providing facilities such as libraries and heated swimming pools or introducing additional bus routes. All these are functions of DCs. As a matter of fact, in the previous DC elections, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2175 people attached great importance to whether the election platform of a candidate had included district issues as this would improve the community directly. And yet, in my opinion, the functions of DC members are far more important because as representatives of the residents, they are bound to collect public views on a myriad of issues, gauge public opinion through consultation, and then fight for them in DCs or relay their views to the Government on various occasions.

As I often said, the Government is acting slowly, lacking immediate awareness, and failing to feel or experience folk wisdom. Therefore, DCs and directly-elected DC members must be down-to-earth and relay public sentiment or views to the Government, which has always been the success of DCs. Thus, in my opinion, one of the functions of DCs is to reflect people's aspirations.

As we all know, district organizations include DCs, the former Urban Council and the Regional Council as well as the Legislative Council. Just imagine, if the DC Election cannot be held as scheduled, or has to be postponed for a week or even called off as people have suggested, I would consider it a loss to the public because they may lose an effective channel to express their concerns and views, which is very important.

And yet, what I consider more important is how to ensure that the Election can be conducted under a fair, just and safe environment. Just now, Members from different political parties and groupings have highlighted some instances of unfairness in this Election over the past period of time, for example offices of Members being repeatedly vandalized, and candidates and their volunteers being intimidated, harassed and even injured. This is not ideal at all. Also, there are numerous instances of people chanting political slogans and shouting foul language at us. Telephone nuisances, online mudslinging and even doxxing have also become a norm. It is now very difficult to make the essence of elections clear merely by comparing the election platforms, philosophies and aspirations of candidates.

In the past period of time, DAB has been suffering damages for more than a hundred times and even my office is not spared. The smashing of signboards and glasses as well as intrusion are only minor damages; more serious ones include pouring water into the office and setting fire, causing complete destruction. Such acts have happened several times but not just once. Will such acts facilitate the holding of a fair, just and open election that we have been urging the Government? I think Members should think carefully.

2176 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

In the past, we did not have to worry too much about safety when we run for election, because we stood for election to achieve our vision and solicit support from the public, and we have expected to meet people with different views. However, candidates of this Election, no matter which grouping they belong to, have faced challenges of various degrees, ranging from minor clashes such as being hurled abuse at with foul language, filmed with mobile phones or harassed to more serious ones such as personal threats. Is this the kind of unusual election that I have mentioned time and again? I therefore eagerly hope that the Government will consider how to ensure that this Election can be conducted in a fair, just, open and safe manner, just as I have repeatedly stressed.

I have faced these challenges and I am no stranger to them. I always say that we have an idea about the result of the Election and are ready to accept the reality, no matter we win or lose. However, I strongly believe that the election must be conducted under a safe environment to ensure that people can feel at ease to vote, whereas our volunteers can also feel at ease to help in electioneering. I think that violence should not be tolerated or advocated because as we can see, it has been escalating over the past period of time. Let me put aside the social movement. Nowadays, if someone expresses divergent views at home, during meal gathering or in some online programs, he or she will probably be unfriended or disconnected, or unresponded. This is certainly not the luck that Hong Kong people would wish for and worse still, it has an impact on people's emotions.

We should absolutely not connive at violence as it will only drive us to the extremes, and make society more polarized and torn apart. I often stress that to ensure peace and tranquility in society, it is important not to let violence infiltrate into the community. One day, a kaifong told me at the street booth, "Wilson, you should not say 'vigilante beating' anymore as it is now more appropriate to say 'vigilante violence'." I acknowledged his view. On the other hand, setting vehicles and people with divergent views on fire have also become a cause for concern. Therefore, I hope that the coming election will say no to violence.

I believe it is in no way easy to build a community. Seeing the present situation of Hong Kong, many people or kaifongs who are more senior in age lamented that destruction is much easier than construction. I believe the mainstream view of the general public is to expeditiously bring the community and Hong Kong back on track. While more should be done by the Government, I hope that we can also remind people around us to "stop and think twice". LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2177

Given that the success of Hong Kong is attributable to our freedom of speech, judicial system and peaceful assembly, we should therefore treasure them more than any other place in the world.

President, I also wish to point out that DCs are places where practical work relating to people's livelihood is done. I believe many Members present at the meeting and candidates standing for the Election are well aware that DC members would roll up their sleeves to serve the local residents and address their problems, which is indeed the expectation of the general public. It is thus my wish for the Government to ensure that the DC Election to be held three days later on 24 November will be conducted smoothly and successfully. I also hope that Hong Kong people will be able to elect representatives to serve them in this Election.

Construction is difficult and no one wants to see any destruction, so we must say no to violence in unison. We should all use our votes to enable this lovely place to continue to shine, and join hands to protect Hong Kong. Again, let me call on people who love Hong Kong to come out and use your votes to bring Hong Kong back on track on 24 November, so as to restore peace and tranquility in our community and society.

President, I so submit.

MR ALVIN YEUNG (in Cantonese): President, democracy is never a matter of course. The election system of Hong Kong, especially the voting system of the District Council ("DC"), is by no means perfect, but that does not mean that it should be taken lightly. On the contrary, the DC Election is remarkably important after Hong Kong has gone through such a long summer, six months of uneasy days.

Undoubtedly, many Hong Kong people have grown restless and we may each have different feelings. None of us wants to see violence or injuries caused by political differences. Yet, it is most saddening that the systems we once trusted, including the self-proclaimed "Asian best" Police Force, are no longer trustworthy. Such systems are no longer trusted by the majority.

2178 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Can all these problems be solved by voting? Of course not. Voting is not a once-and-for-all solution but it can reflect people's views. Noting that Secretary NIP is present today, I am not going to repeat any political arguments as I do not want to let him brush me off easily with his bureaucratic responses in our debate today. Rather, I want to make him face the public and answer a series of practical questions. The 2019 DC Election will soon be held. Amid huge worries and countless uncertainties, I hope Secretary NIP will, in his concluding speech, respond to my technical questions to give us some sense of certainty.

At present, there is no specific contingency provision in the guidelines on election-related activities stipulating the rights of a candidate in case any special circumstances come up in a polling station, a district or across the territory. Can the Secretary please give us some specific examples to illustrate the circumstances under which the Election will be suspended or postponed in a polling station, a district or across the territory? This is something that Hong Kong people, candidates of different political parties and their electioneering teams need to know. I urge Secretary NIP to give us the answer later.

Regarding the 452 polling stations, under what circumstances will Returning Officers decide to close a polling station and suspend the Election? Are we talking about special incidents that happen inside or outside the polling station? If we are talking about incidents that happen outside the polling station, how far does "outside" mean? 5 metres, 10 metres or 100 metres? Is "outside the polling station" referred to main roads? What is the definition of "main roads"? Or is it referred to the traffic outside the polling station? I do not mean to be fussy by requesting Secretary NIP to explain in great details. All I want is some sort of certainty. I hope the Secretary will tell us the answer.

More importantly, with regard to the 18 districts, under what circumstances will the authorities suspend or terminate the Election in a particular district? The Bureau must also answer this question because nothing like this has ever happened before. There is no precedent, and the guidelines on election-related activities have not provided the answer.

Furthermore, we need to know what arrangements will be made in case the Election is suspended due to special circumstances. For example, if special incidents happen at noon or in the afternoon, leading to an immediate suspension of voting in a particular polling station, the ballot boxes that contain ballot papers LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2179 cast will be sealed, but where will these ballot boxes be delivered to? We do not know the answer for the moment. Where will the sealed ballot boxes be kept to ensure the ballot papers therein will not be touched? How can the Government make sure that the sealed ballot boxes will remain untouched? Will they be put under 24-hour supervision in a locked room? We need to know all these arrangements. They have nothing to do with political stance but the principle of a fair election.

President, why do I care so much about this matter? Apart from the fact that the public has lost trust in the authorities, the Registration and Electoral Office did have a history of losing its items. As Members may recall, two government computers were lost in a previous Chief Executive Election, with no one being held accountable so far. We are now in 2019. Have the authorities learned a lesson? Even if the authorities only have to seal the ballot boxes of one polling station, where will the boxes be placed? Can the authorities please tell us? Are there any security measures to guarantee that the ballot papers and ballot boxes will be left untouched so as to ease the worries of 7 million people in Hong Kong and the whole world? I urge Secretary NIP to give me a direct answer later.

Meanwhile, we need to know the remedial or contingency measures to be taken by the authorities. I am not asking who are responsible for deciding these measures. Of course, we need to know who the persons in charge are; but it is more important to know the criteria adopted or the special circumstances to be taken into account by them. Secretary NIP should give an account to the people of Hong Kong.

Moreover, President, as far as I understand it, if a polling station in any one of the 452 constituencies fails to complete the election on the election day or within two weeks thereafter, the seat of the constituency concerned is likely to remain vacant in the next two years. The same incident can happen in an administrative district. Among the 18 districts, if any of them fails to complete the election on the election day or within two weeks thereafter owing to special circumstances, the election in the administrative district concerned is likely to be postponed for two years because some technical issues, such as legislative amendment, are involved. But here comes a question. What criteria will the authorities take into account to judge that the election must stop and hence decide to postpone or even terminate the election in a particular administrative district? This is what we need to know.

2180 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Why do we care so much about this DC Election? As mentioned by Dr Fernando CHEUNG earlier, this Election will have a direct impact on the return of 117 seats in the Election Committee. He was right to say so. Moreover, this Election is related to the 2020 Legislative Council General Election to be held next year as "5+1" seats in the Legislative Council, including five "super DC seats" and one District Council (First) Functional Constituency ("FC") seat, are directly relevant to DCs. For the five "super DC seats", candidates are required to be incumbent DC members. As for the seat of the District Council (First) FC, its electors are all incumbent DC members. In other words, DC members returned on 24 November will form the electorate of this FC.

President, on this point, I have the following questions for Secretary NIP. Secretary NIP once told us that if any of the 452 DC seats are left vacant, the "5+1" election would still be held. Then, at which point, in terms of the number of vacancies, will the authorities stop electing the aforesaid "5+1" Legislative Council Members? President, why do I ask this question? It is a matter of fairness.

I will first talk about the election of "super DC members". Given that only current DC members are allowed to run for "super DC members", if a DC constituency has unfortunately failed to complete its election in 2019, it may have to wait for two years to fill the vacancy of its DC member. However, some DC candidates, if elected, may have high chance to run for the "super DC seats". If his DC constituency fails to have an election owing to certain uncertainties, he will lose his eligibility for the "super DC election" because the postponed DC election will be held after the "super DC election". In this case, I must ask the Bureau to clarify to Hong Kong people where the line will be drawn. How many DC vacancies will cause the cancellation of the elections for the five "super DC seats" and the District Council (First) FC seat in the Legislative Council? This question is about fairness as I have just said.

If, for some reasons, a person fails to stand in the DC Election held on 24 November or a later date, he will lose his eligibility for "super DC seats" or the District Council (First) FC seat. What is more, as the electorate of the District Council (First) FC is all DC members, any vacancy in the membership of DC will render "all DC members" non-existent, how can the election be fair? It is necessary for Secretary NIP to give a clear answer to this important question as this constitutional issue, which may seem minor in itself, will have significant impact.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2181

President, just now, a lot of Members complained about their offices or banners being burnt or damaged. This is the first time I have ever heard royalist Members complaining about unfairness in election as if all past elections were just and fair. I wish to remind Hong Kong people that the problem of vote-rigging has remained unresolved. Other problems such as fraudulent addresses and ghost voters are yet to be solved at root. All these are pending a solution.

As I said at the beginning of my speech, no one wants to see any violence. Yet, a candidate should not focus solely on his own "unfair" experiences but ignore the vote-rigging issue and genuine violent threats facing other candidates. Secretary NIP, who is present, and the HKSAR Executive Authorities that he represents must face up to these problems. Despite political differences, the SAR Government has the greatest responsibility to expeditiously resolve relevant cases and address violence experienced by candidates and their supporters over a long period to bring them genuine fairness.

President, obviously, the DC Election on 24 November is not a one-off solution to the SAR Government's indiscriminate arrest and power abuse, not to mention Police brutality. Neither should we have a false hope that the Election will clear our fear. Voting is not a solution to existing problems because the current political quagmire requires political solutions from the SAR Government. However, I would like to remind each and every Hongkonger that voting is our right. Electors may choose not to vote; they are also free to vote for candidates representing different political parties. Many candidates are now going all out in the community to run for DC seats, but not for their own benefit. This is the first time in Hong Kong's history that none of the DC members is elected uncontested. That is not easy.

Many candidates may not have political affiliation. They may be political greenhorns or independent candidates and it takes much courage to run for election. We should treasure and support these people who are willing to come out for election. Giving them a vote does not necessarily mean that we endorse them completely. Yet, the current voting system can at least be used to quantify the will of Hong Kong people for the world to know our views clearly.

Please remember, in order to fight for the five demands, we must vote in the referendum on 24 November. I so submit.

2182 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

DR HELENA WONG (in Cantonese): President, I speak to support the Government in holding the District Council ("DC") Election on this coming Sunday (24 November) as scheduled and not cancelling or postponing the DC Election under the pressure imposed by some pro-establishment Members. Perhaps pro-establishment Members think that their chances of winning the Election are low and so they hinted some time ago that they did not wish the Election to be held. We, the democrats, strongly oppose this suggestion because the Election cannot be postponed or delayed just because some people think that their chances of winning are low.

Most importantly, we should give people the chance to vote as scheduled regardless of their political stance. Special consideration should be given to those who have participated in peaceful protests and who have paid a high price and even their lives in the "anti-extradition to China" movement in the past five months. Among our friends, many are newly-registered voters or registered voters who have never voted before. We hope that they will vote this time and use their votes to clearly voice their opinions and indicate their views under the current situation of Hong Kong.

Voting is a political right of voters and it is the most peaceful, rational and non-violent way for members of the public to express their political opinions. Voting is also the most scientific way to quantify the number of people who support or dislike the Government; and how many think that the Police have acted correctly or have used excessive violence. Besides, as people have different views towards the performances of Carrie LAM's Government and the public officers, the current political situation and the five demands, voting will provide the best chance for them to express their views.

In fact, we do not have a referendum law in Hong Kong, but the Election on the coming Sunday will incidentally be held against a backdrop of the "anti-extradition to China" movement in the past few months. We have never seen such scale of disturbances in Hong Kong over the past 50 years or an even longer period of time. I very much hope that members of the public can have the chance to express their views, whatever they are, towards violence and the current political situation through voting peacefully. In the Election, past performances of the candidates in serving the districts should not be our only concern; we must pay more attention to their political views and stances and whether they can reflect the opinions of the voters. Thus, I think that the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2183

Election contains a very important flavour of a de facto referendum in reflecting the views and positions of the public on Police brutality, the current political situation, freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Thus, if voters do not vote, their voices will be replaced by those of other people. If people really care for Hong Kong, I hope they will show great enthusiasm in voting, so as to boost the turnout rate to over 60%, which is the goal we are trying to achieve. We do not want to see any form of violence this Sunday, making it impossible to hold the Election. We very much hope that the Government will make all necessary arrangements for this coming Sunday and that the people will be keen in voting.

Recently, I have received lots of messages appealing to voters to vote before 12 noon, lest people may wreak havoc in the afternoon to abort the voting. If there is a chance later, I hope the Government can explain why such messages have spread. Is it because most royalist supporters will vote in the morning, while most young people will vote in the afternoon and even younger voters will vote in the evening, and so some people will wreak havoc in the afternoon and the evening to stop young voters from voting? I do not know how many of these messages are true and how many false. Anyway, we hope that the Election to be held this Sunday will not be interrupted during any period of time. I hope that the Government will give us this assurance.

So far in this movement, more than 5 000 people have been arrested; many people have been injured and certainly, some died too. Among the arrestees, many are secondary school students; and some are university students, doctors, nurses, media workers, social workers, etc. All these people do not fit in our past understanding of "rioters". Why do ordinary students or professionals have to go to the foremost front line?

A few days ago, I went to Tsim Sha Tsui and tried to enter The Hong Kong Polytechnic University ("PolyU"), in the hope that some students would come out. I did not have the chance to enter the campus because the way was blocked by the Police. So I walked around Tsim Sha Tsui all the way to Jordon. Apart from seeing many tear gas shells in Tsim Sha Tsui, I also saw countless people along Nathan Road, Canton Road and even Granville Road and Cameron Road forming human chains facing the direction of PolyU. While many of them were young people, there were also working people, office ladies and even people in 2184 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 suits. What were they doing? They were all passing materials such as umbrellas, bricks and plastic straps. Some people in suits even squatted on the ground to break bricks with their hands. These people were called rioters. Just imagine, these people have to work during the day, what makes men in suits, or even professionals and office ladies who have never participated in this kind of actions in the past go out to the street to form human chains, break bricks and stones and turn the territory into something like a quarry?

In fact, who caused the whole incident? We really have to consider clearly how this incident happened. It all started only a few months ago. Carrie LAM's Government and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong ("DAB") wanted to introduce the draconian "China extradition Bill" because of the Taiwan homicide case. All pro-establishment Members forcibly assisted the Government to push through the draconian Bill, thus arousing a lot of discontent. Finally, after waiting for four months, the Government formally withdrew the draconian Bill at the end of October. How come the disturbances do not stop after the withdrawal of the Bill? That is because the Government relies on the Police to make arrests and suppress the protesters in a most high-handed manner. During the process, many people became indignant about Police brutality and demanded to establish an independent commission of inquiry.

According to many public opinion polls, more than 80% of the interviewees demanded for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to inquire into Police brutality, but the Government is still unwilling to take action. Pro-establishment Members, including DAB, the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, the New People's Party, etc. also opposed the proposal. Why would Members of the Legislative Council go against public opinion? Who have elected these people? In fact, both Legislative Council Members and DC members are elected by members of the public. If people do not want the representatives elected to do or say anything which does not reflect their opinions, they must vote for those who can represent them.

If we review the recent disturbances, they have arisen because the Government and pro-establishment Members have ignored public opinion and pushed through the draconian "China extradition Bill", they even enacted the Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation afterwards. Many people asked me LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2185 whether legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law would soon be enacted. I can tell you, if pro-establishment Members once again win all seats of DCs, legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law will soon be …

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr Helena WONG …

DR HELENA WONG (in Cantonese): President, my speech …

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Dr Helena WONG, let me remind you, the content of your speech should not affect the fair conduct of election. Members should not disseminate information in their speech which may be regarded as promoting or prejudicing the election of any candidate or achieving a similar effect.

DR HELENA WONG (in Cantonese): President, I heard what you have said.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I am only reminding you because the content of your speech has actually crossed the line. If you continue to make this kind of remarks, I will stop you from speaking. Please return to the subject of the debate.

DR HELENA WONG (in Cantonese): Thank you, President. We have heard the remarks made by Members of different political parties earlier on.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I have heard all of the speeches. If I considered that the content of any speech have crossed the line, I would remind the Member. I am only reminding you. Please return to the subject of the debate.

DR HELENA WONG (in Cantonese): Thank you. President, we still think that the Government should spare no efforts in enabling the smooth conduct of the Election this Sunday. I also hope that all members of the public will cooperate and vote as early as possible. At present, voting is the best way to clearly reflect 2186 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 public opinions in Hong Kong. The voting results will not only enable all Hong Kong people to know what actions we want the Government to take, and whether we want the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry, but also enable the international world to understand the aspirations of Hong Kong people.

We do not wish to see any acts of violence in Hong Kong or the lives of the people being affected in any way. We hope that we can return to a state which is regarded as more comfortable and desirable; but this goal cannot be attained by stopping violence and curbing disorder as claimed by the Government or pro-establishment Members. We must still tackle the crux of the problem, i.e. "Five demands, not one less". If voters support the five demands, they should vote in the Election which is a referendum. Thus, I greatly hope that we will cherish this chance and go to vote together this Sunday.

Some Members who have spoken earlier asked why the democrats do not sever ties with violence and reprimand violence. I have often heard such remarks over the past few months. In fact, the Democratic Party has always been a peaceful, rational and non-violent political party. We do not want to see any violent behaviour. However, when pro-establishment Members or the Government speak of violence, they very often lay the blame on and direct against the protesters. As I pointed out earlier, throughout the "anti-extradition to China" movement and up till now, the people are discontented with Police brutality. Thus, if we want to stop violence, we should be fair and focus our attention on the different sources of violence, including violence of the Police, violence of the protesters, violence of the white-clad people in the 21 July incident, violence of the blue-clad people, violence of others who disguised as black-clad people, violence of triad societies or violence of the systems.

Full democracy has not been achieved in this Council and the Chief Executive is not returned by "one person, one vote". The democrats are being bullied in this Council, as any bill or motion can be passed if there are enough votes from pro-establishment Members. After pro-establishment Members had taken up the post of Chairman in all panels, they withdrew their membership. Is there fairness in this Council? Is there peace in this Council? No. Thus, we must still move towards a democratic political system. Will all disputes be resolved after the Election held this Sunday? No. I hope that the Government, particularly the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, will seriously examine how constitutional reform can be reactivated expeditiously, so that all Members of the Legislative Council will be returned by universal suffrage; LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2187 functional constituencies will be abolished; the Chief Executive will be returned by universal suffrage as soon as possible and members of the Election Committee will be returned by a democratic election.

Without a democratic system, disputes and conflicts in Hong Kong cannot be resolved by the most peaceful way in the legislature. If a legislature cannot address public opinion, cannot reflect public opinion normally but distort it instead, such a legislature will pass draconian laws and bring problems of unresolved conflicts to the communities. That is exactly the cause of the current disturbances in Hong Kong. Before democracy is manifested in Taiwan, we noticed that members of the legislature had serious fights and there were protest movements. Serious confrontations also occurred in South Korea before it finally moved towards democracy.

Thus, I hope that what happened in this movement has reflected a confrontational stage in our democratization process. However, compared with the democratization processes in other countries, we hope that the confrontations in Hong Kong will end as soon as possible, so that people can solve problems rationally, thereby establishing a democratic and just political system, without having to resort to street violence or political violence to resolve the problems. My greatest wish is to have a democratic legislature and a government returned by a democratic election which is really accountable to Hong Kong people. Over the past few months, people have taken to the streets not only because of Police brutality, but because they aspire to genuine dual universal suffrage in Hong Kong. Thus, people who care about the prospect of democracy, freedom and human rights in Hong Kong, and those who are against draconian laws should cast their votes, which will be important to Hong Kong.

I so submit.

MR LEUNG YIU-CHUNG (in Cantonese): President, first of all, I would like to declare that I am a candidate of the forthcoming District Council ("DC") Election. Having worked at DCs for many years, I concur with some Members who just pointed out that DCs are important councils for resolving district and livelihood issues. In fact, DCs have all along been dealing with district affairs for the most part. Nevertheless, much to my regret, despite their focus on community and district work, DCs are de facto advisory bodies which have not been conferred the authority to handle district affairs. Some Members have suggested that DCs be 2188 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 given the authority to properly do real work on people's livelihood. I also hope that the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau can conduct reviews on conferring DCs real powers. Otherwise, DCs will remain de facto district advisory bodies which exist in name only.

In the past, I have repeatedly suggested that DCs be renamed District Advisory Committees in view of their practical operations. However, what we are discussing today is not the terms of reference of DCs, but the prospect of the DC Election being held on 24 November as scheduled. In fact, all people are very concerned about whether the Election can be held as scheduled, particularly the candidates like ourselves.

As a candidate, I have come across many voters during my recent electioneering at the district level. During our conversations, the first question put to me was whether the Election could be held on 24 November as scheduled. When asked about their views on this question, some voters told me that the Government recently reiterated its hope of holding the Election as scheduled and its various preparations to make this happen. On the other hand, quite a number of voters have also told me that they would not believe whatever the Government said anymore, given its usual practice of saying one thing but doing another and paying lip service. No matter how strong the Government has claimed its hope of holding the Election as scheduled, its actual intention may just be the opposite.

Some voters have provided the following analysis. DCs are not only focusing on people's livelihood or community work, as suggested by some Members just now, but are playing a more active role in politics, such as influencing the future composition of the Legislative Council. This point is particularly important. As pointed out by some Members just now, five Legislative Council seats will be returned through election with DC members as candidates and one seat will be returned through election among elected DC members. Six Legislative Council seats will thus be returned from DCs.

The role of DC members is no longer limited to addressing district issues; they will also influence the composition of the Legislative Council in the future. As pointed out by a number of Members just now, apart from the composition of the Legislative Council, DCs will also influence the Chief Executive election in the future, given the significant number of Election Committee seats returned from DCs. For example, as many as 117 members of the previous Election Committee were returned from DCs. At present, the functions and roles of DCs LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2189 have substantially changed. Apart from dealing with local issues, they have increasingly close ties with the Central Authorities. Will the Government or the pro-establishment camp hope that the forthcoming DC Election will be held as scheduled if its outcome will likely fall short of their expectation? Many voters have this question in mind. Of course, I have told them that hopefully the actual situation was not like that. I do not hope that the Government has always given people the bad impression of saying one thing but doing another.

Regrettably, I do not have any evidence to prove that the Government is not saying one thing but doing another. Based on what we have very often noticed from the words and deeds of the Government, particularly in recent months, the Government is indisputably saying one thing but doing another, and is prone to distort and misrepresent facts. To achieve its objectives, it has even been very common for the Government to continuously smear or defame its opponents.

We are certainly worried about whether the DC Election can be held as scheduled. In fact, the Government has already revealed many hidden agendas. According to the Government, a number of problems have to be resolved before the Election can be held as scheduled, and three main directions have been set out in the meantime. A number of pro-establishment Members have repeatedly raised many questions in their speeches, including: Is the community stable? Will candidates be targeted in violent attacks? Will voters be obstructed from voting? Will the traffic be blocked? All these questions will determine whether the Election will be held in a fair, just and open manner. While the questions repeatedly raised by a number of pro-establishment Members may appear to be pressure imposed on the Government, they may actually serve as justifications or excuses for the Government to defer or suspend the Election. In view of this, I consider that the Government is doing such a bad job that it has given people a very bad impression and little confidence.

In response to these questions, what else can the Government do now? In my opinion, instead of saying one thing but doing another, the Government should frankly tell us how it will address the current political situation. As the authority or the administration, the Government must exhibit a magnanimous attitude toward political issues rather than being so parochial. It will be extremely incorrect for the Government to consider its own political interests only. A government which fails to conduct itself in a fair and just manner will 2190 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 eventually be spurned by the people. In fact, the SAR Government is now severely spurned by the people for being unfair and partial, resulting in extremely low popularity of the Government, the Chief Executive and government officials.

I hope that the Government will tackle political issues with a magnanimous attitude and respect the political orientation of voters. The Government must never make excuses for suspending or deferring the Election over concerns about unsatisfactory results, or else the community will be dealt a bigger blow and social instability will be further aggravated. In fact, the Hong Kong community is highly unstable at present. Under the current administration, the SAR Government's political prejudice and biased view on political interests are blindingly obvious, resulting in many divisions and splits in the community and unprecedented police-civilian clashes and hostility. All these problems have been created by the Government in the first place. If the Government refuses to confront and resolve these problems and instead tries to advance its political agenda by unorthodox means, I believe that it will find it even more difficult to govern in the future.

By virtue of this debate, we hope that the Government will really work hard to ensure that the DC Election will be held as scheduled on 24 November for the public to express their views with their vote. I concur with one point made by many Members just now. The forthcoming DC Election not only seeks to return local representatives for servicing their local areas, but will also give voters an opportunity to express their political orientation, political views and their demands on the current society with their vote. Hence, I hope that the DC Election will be held as scheduled without any deferral.

I hereby urge voters to vote in the Election, which can be regarded as a de facto referendum for us to express our views on the current social and political situation. In a majority of constituencies, the race is characterized by one pro-democratic candidate running against one pro-establishment candidate. In some constituencies, there are certainly some neophytes running for vote-splitting purpose. We may just put them aside for now. As the results will obviously reflect the political orientation of voters, I hope that the Election will be held as scheduled.

President, I so submit.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2191

MR VINCENT CHENG (in Cantonese): President, I speak in support of the adjournment motion moved by Ms YUNG Hoi-yan today. With only three days to go, the District Council ("DC") Election will be held. The introduction of effective counter measures by the Government for conducting a fair, just and safe Election is crucial to any political party. I and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong ("DAB"), the political party to which I belong, support the holding of the Election as scheduled. Just now, many opposition Members in the legislature have constantly accused us of hoping to postpone or abort the Election. In particular, Ms Claudia MO has repeatedly said in her speech that DAB hopes the election will be cancelled. Her remarks are misleading and slanderous.

President, regardless of how difficult it will be to hold the Election, we will remain fearless. We very much hope that the DC Election will enable voters to make their decision through "one person, one vote" to express their views on the future of the community or politics.

President, I must first declare that I am a candidate of the coming DC Election. In this Chamber, many Members, like me, have taken part in various big and small election battles. I have participated in some 10 DC elections, and Mr CHAN Han-pan, who is sitting in front of me, has participated in more elections than I have. We have accustomed to participating in elections amid challenges and under egregious or dire circumstances, but this Election is indeed different from past elections. In the past, candidates could express differing views and we were also very willing to listen to the differing views expressed by voters.

However, what kind of environment do candidates have to face nowadays? We have to face fatal attacks, petrol bombs and we are constantly threatened or disturbed in canvassing activities. Even if we just want to post a poster in a shop, some people will determine whether the shop is blue or yellow in stance, and then wantonly vandalize or "renovate" the shop―the word "renovation" is really an inappropriate euphemism for "malicious vandalism".

Now that the polling day is around the corner, we very much hope that in these three days, the Administration can give us the confidence that the Election will be conducted in a fair manner. For this reason, we support the adjournment motion moved by Ms YUNG today, and we once again ask the authorities to hold 2192 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 the DC Election as scheduled. As regards how the Election will be conducted in a fair and just manner, I would like to explain to Members 10 unfair phenomena which I have observed.

First, our offices have been destructed and candidates threatened with black terror. In the case of DAB, for example, our offices have been sabotaged over 100 times, including being vandalized, set ablaze and devastated. Our offices have been set ablaze time and again. While some say that things destroyed are just dead objects, I think our offices are not just dead objects, but venues where we provide services to the public. Their vandalism is also laden with intimidation. They dislike political party with different ideology as theirs and thus display their power. In my office, a camera captured a black-clad person spaying words on the eternal wall of the office at 1:00 am. He even tried to pry open the roller gate of the office but failed. He then set fire on the air conditioner of the adjoining office of my colleague, a community officer. Is it fair to intimidate such a young officer who is devoted to serving the public?

Second, apart from offices being destructed, DAB candidates are also subject to severe intimidation. Mr Junius HO, who is now present and sitting in my front, was maliciously assaulted when canvassing for votes. Can we accept the act of stabbing a candidate with a knife? My colleagues from DAB have also been attacked by petrol bombs. These days, people resort to vigilantism when dispute arises, such that candidates are not adequately protected.

Third, DAB candidates and members of their electioneering teams are doxxed on social media platforms, with their information such as telephone numbers and addresses being made public. As candidates, we are public figures, and can understand that some of our personal information will be made public. We are willing to listen to different views expressed by members of the public, but we do not want to be intimidated at the same time. My mobile phone rang some 10 times from 12:00 am to 1:00 am one night, and these were all unknown calls. When I picked up the phone, the caller remained silent. This is a kind of invisible intimidation, exerting psychological pressure on many candidates.

In addition to candidates, many DAB volunteers, including core volunteers and supporters have also been doxxed in the media. When I set up a street booth this morning, a female supporter who works in a Hong Kong style cafe told me that immediately after she had said a few words in support of the Police in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2193 cafe, the name and photo of the cafe together with her own photo were posted online, and appeals were made to "entertain" her. How can people intimidate our supporters in this way?

Fourth, members of DAB electioneering teams are often intimidated by masked persons when canvassing for votes. These masked persons film us with video cameras and make unpleasant remarks that make our volunteers uncomfortable. Their remarks are very offensive, unrelated to the community, and mainly aim at smearing or attacking our candidates.

The fifth and sixth involve our publicity. Apart from being a political election, the DC Election also involves livelihood issues. We very much hope that through our work over the months, we can tell voters what we can do for them in DCs in the future, such as how to formulate better policies on security, environmental hygiene, transport and housing. We need to brief voters on our manifesto, but nowadays, even a single poster or a banner will be destructed. We have to replace a banner five to six times until there is no banner left. This is also the case with posters. In the past, many of our supporters would post our posters in their shops. For this Election, they have taken the initiative to tell us in a low voice that they could help us post posters, but we have rejected them for fear that if posters were pasted, their shops might be "renovated" or vandalized. The entire community is now teeming with such black terror.

Seventh, many people have made online calls to take away elderly people's identity cards before the polling day of the DC Election, or disallow them to vote. In fact, I often came across such cases when I made door-to-door visits recently. As the two generations of many households may hold differing views, we have avoided talking too much during our visits, and have just urged them to vote. However, many of my supporters have relayed to me that their family members ask them not to vote, disallow them to vote, or even take away their identity cards. They have been treated in a very unfair manner. Several days ago when I was canvassing on the ground floor of a Chinese restaurant, an elderly supporter whom I have known for some 10 years intended to come over to say a few words with me, but a man―I have never met before and presumably is his son―stopped him and even asked him not to vote for me. This treatment is very unfair. Now such cases have spread to households. We do not hope that such cases occur in households due to an election.

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The eighth involves Lennon Walls. There are Lennon Walls on footbridges and in tunnels in various communities, and people affix on such walls the photos of candidates they like. In a tunnel, people blacked out the photos of candidates they disliked as if they were mourning the deceased. As for candidates they supported, they wrote large characters on their photos wishing them success in the election. When it comes to Lennon Walls, we will certainly adhere to the law by removing our banners on the expiry date, and will not hoist the banners indefinitely. Yet, at present, Lennon Walls are full of posters for political advertising.

The ninth and tenth involve fake news and online attacks. Now, some people are disseminating information online, saying that the election will be held on another date, asking people not to vote on 24 November, or urging people to stamp opposite the name of more than one candidate. All these are fake information.

President, Hong Kong is well experienced in holding elections, and all elections had been held in a fair and just manner. Even under the social circumstances following SARS or the proposal to enact legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law, we could still hold fair and just elections. However, this Election has been shrouded in black terror, and many people are worried whether they can come out to vote. They are concerned about whether they can come out to vote without having to be afraid of being recognized by others, and whether a fair and just election can be held.

President, the Government should not adopt a hands-off style of governance. It must take actions to ensure Hong Kong's fair election system, which has not been easy to come by, will not be jeopardized. Some people kept saying just now that this Election has been jeopardized because of political reasons. However, I believe that regardless of what political reasons there are, we must safeguard a fair and fair election, and forbid any political maneuver from jeopardizing the election, for the election enables members of the public to vote and express their views.

President, I hope that the Secretary will consider adopting certain measures under the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance. I hope the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Electoral Affairs Commission will take actions in a more active manner, rather than follow the established practice of conducting investigations only after complaints have been made. When a complaint is ruled unsubstantiated after a protracted LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2195 investigation, an election petition will then be lodged. This has been the established practice over the years. Having participated in various elections, we know that an election petition is time-consuming, and an outcome may not be obtained even if a lot of money has been spent on a lawsuit. Many young aspirants from various political parties are simply unable to do this.

President, the general election for DCs is very important. Some 4.1 million voters are eligible to vote to elect 452 DC members. Compared with 2015, there is an increase of 440 000 voters and an increase of 21 elected seats. In other words, this is a large-scale Election, and hence the Government shall not take lightly its election arrangements.

I have particularly noted that the Secretary said three days ago that three conditions must be met. First, over 20 000 polling station staff from various districts can arrive at designated polling stations on time, so that polling stations will open on time at 7:30 am as scheduled; second, candidates, their electioneering teams and all voters can conduct electoral activities and cast their votes without fears and threats; third, polling stations will not be maliciously disturbed or damaged to the extent of affecting the Election.

President, to meet the first condition, I hope the Bureau will at least hold discussions with the Transport and Housing Bureau and the Security Bureau on how to avoid traffic paralysis. These days, streets in Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok are full of bricks and glass shards, and traffic lights have yet to resume normal operation. How can elderly people or wheelchair users go out to cast their votes? Can the Government make arrangements as soon as possible, so as to ensure that everyone can travel to their designated polling stations?

As for the second condition, how can candidates, their electioneering teams and all voters conduct electoral activities and cast their votes without fears and threats? I hope that the Secretary can explain the extent of violent acts that give rise to fears and threats. Is it a threat if some people constantly harass others at the polling stations?

The third condition concerns whether voters will be disturbed after entering the polling stations. As far as I know, some polling stations are located at the fourth floor or above, and can only be accessible by lift outside the premises. Is it a disturbance if voters are disturbed outside polling stations? I hope that the Bureau will offer an explanation in this regard in a moment.

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Finally, President, I myself will fearlessly face this Election. I very much hope that the election will be conducted in a fair, just and open manner, so that candidates with differing political views and from various political parties can, under safe conditions, participate in (The buzzer sounded) … the Election.

Thank you, President.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Vincent CHENG, please stop speaking.

I now suspend the meeting until 5:15 pm.

4:42 pm

Meeting suspended.

5:15 pm

Council then resumed.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Honourable Members, this debate has already been going on for more than eight hours. Since today we still have some public transport facilities stopping service earlier, I intend to invite public officers to respond at about 7:00 pm. At present, a number of Members are still waiting for their turn to speak, so I hope Members will be as concise as possible when they speak, so as to allow more colleagues to speak.

MR CHU HOI-DICK (in Cantonese): President, just now, Dr CHIANG Lai-wan and Mr Vincent CHENG have been enumerating, like rappers, how the current social situation has been unfavourable to a fair and just election, and thus they have to face serious problems. They also said that they have no intention to postpone or cancel the election, and they have been wrongly accused and smeared by the pro-democracy Members.

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President, to begin with, I would like the general public to see clearly for themselves that we actually have not smeared them at all. Since October, pro-establishment Members or political parties have constantly convened press conferences, querying whether the District Council ("DC") Election can still be held as scheduled, given the chaotic social situation and the fact that their political figures have been assaulted. Mr KWOK Wai-keung convened a press conference on 8 October, stating that the Election might have to be postponed if the situation had remained unchanged. He thus urged the Government to seriously consider various possibilities. On 6 November (i.e. the day Mr Junius HO was assaulted), Mr IP Kwok-him of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong ("DAB"), a former Member of the Legislative Council and an incumbent member of the Executive Council, stated his concern about whether the DC Election could be held on 24 November as scheduled. He also said that if the DC Election had to be deferred, it might be deferred one or two years.

It can thus be seen that we are not making unsubstantiated accusations. I reckon that over a certain period in the past, there were different voices amongst the royalists. While some think that the Election should not be held, some think that the Election should be held as scheduled. Three days later will be the polling day, they should now have a common stance, i.e. the Election should be held as scheduled.

The first question I would like to discuss is whether we should cancel the Election under the threat of violence? We have to clarify this question rather than vacillating between yes and no. To me, the answer to this question is simple enough, the threat of violence should not be a factor for consideration to postpone or cancel the election. Why? The answer is that the general meaning of election is to transfer power in a peaceful manner without having to resort to fights or warfare. Just now a fellow colleague also mentioned the current unsatisfactory situation of Hong Kong, saying that the situation was worse than that of overseas countries and election might not be held. President, I would like to cite some examples to prove that foreign countries―particularly developing countries―very often have to bear greater risks than Hong Kong in holding an election. Take the presidential election in Afghanistan held in September as an example. According to the statistics of the United Nations, 85 people died and 300 people injured in the election process. Despite the difficulty of the election process and the constant threat of the Taliban to disrupt the election, the Afghan 2198 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 government still insisted on holding the election for the following reasons. First, if the election was not held, the Taliban would succeed in disrupting the election with violence; second, if the election was really cancelled, would there be peace in Afghanistan? Would everything be smooth and fine? Definitely not. The situation would only become more chaotic.

It can be seen from many examples that political violence exists in many places, not only in Hong Kong. There is political violence even in some developed democratic countries. Nonetheless, the whole society is determined to hold the election. Particularly, the Government has to take the lead, so as to tell everyone that the Government is determined―not only to stop violence and curb disorder―but to hold the Election as scheduled. The Government cannot postpone or cancel the Election just because there are signs of disturbance. Why can't we think in this way? Why can't we convey this message to the people of Hong Kong? At this moment, if the Government relays this kind of message to the public, people may not have the opportunity to peacefully express their views with the ballots, and DCs, the local authorities, may not have the opportunity to transfer power peacefully.

President, how come so many people are sceptical about our pro-establishment colleagues? Since October, some members of the public have been saying that the pro-establishment camp wants to compel the Government to postpone or cancel the Election. Why do we have such clamorous scepticism? In my opinion, people do not trust that Beijing or the Communist Party would accept defeat in an election. It is obvious to all that since the founding of the nation, elections will only be held if the results are known to Beijing and the Communist Party of China ("CPC").

Recently, the idea of strengthening the appointment power of the Chief Executive and the principal officials was proposed in the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of CPC. This actually sends a message to Hong Kong, and that is, even if Hong Kong has a universal suffrage mechanism of low nomination threshold for the Chief Executive election in future, the person elected will not be ultimately appointed if he is not "Grandpa's" cup of tea. The Central Authorities would rather be doomed together. Beijing always gives Hong Kong people a feeling that it will not accept any election that genuinely allows transfer of power, not only in the Mainland but in Hong Kong as well.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2199

Hence, we will then think of a question, and that is, did the Government conduct an opinion poll in October and found that the pro-establishment camp would have a crushing defeat in the DC Election, such that they would lose the election in all 18 districts, and subsequently, as pointed by a fellow colleague just now, the pro-establishment camp would lose the 117 seats in the Election Committee, coupled with the loss of a seat of DC functional constituency in the Legislative Council (i.e. the seat currently held by Mr LAU Kwok-fan). Thus, the Government has the intent of not holding the Election. How come we would have such a query and conjecture? This is because we have no confidence in Beijing's stance of the election.

President, the second question I want to point out in my speech is: What is the significance of this Election? Mr Frankie YICK just now said that DCs were mainly concerned about people's livelihood and local affairs, and hence they should not be too politicized. However, the current situation was sad in that people have politicized DCs and people have confronted each other. Consequently, candidates and local workers, though being committed to community affairs, have been overwhelmed by political tides. Such a remark is indeed a one-sided generalization because DCs have never been dealing with only local affairs. Aren't there many politically-related motions being passed in DCs to support the Government's legislative efforts in various aspects?

Do not tell me that DC members have not voiced their views during the amendment of the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance. First, DC per se is a highly politicized establishment, a local political assembly. What is the purpose of this DC Election? To me, the people of Hong Kong are giving Beijing a chance. Why would I say so? As I said just now, the people of Hong Kong always have a question at heart: if all Hong Kong people really go out to vote, but not vote for the CPC's agents, resulting in the victory of the opposition party, the voice of the democratic movement would then be reflected via the election, and the Election Committee would undergo epoch-making changes. Similarly, the 2020 Legislative Council Election would also have epoch-making changes. Will CPC and Beijing be willing to accept this election outcome, and respond accordingly to sit down with the Hong Kong people and work out a way forward for "one country, two systems" which is acceptable to all? This is exactly what I am referring to, and that is, the people of Hong Kong want to give CPC a way out via this opportunity to explore how the problems of Hong Kong can be resolved, and violence is not the only means available. We all know that violence will only generate violence. However, many colleagues in the royalist camp do not know or do not want to admit this.

2200 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Dr CHIANG Lai-wan just now mentioned that the most important theme for this Election is to "say no to violence". President, I agree to this saying. Therefore, this Election has a common theme, i.e. to "say no to violence", to the political parties and groupings on both sides. However, in saying no to violence, members of the public must be clear that there are actually two very different ways to achieve the same purpose. One approach is to adopt continuously the mindset over the past five months of "stopping violence and curbing disorder", i.e. answer violence with violence. Can the problems be solved by answering violence with violence according the experience of the past five months? We all have an answer in heart. This is the first choice of the way forward.

The second approach of "say no to violence" is very clear, and that is, to say no to the governance philosophy of answering violence with violence, and tell CPC and its agents in Hong Kong that it can no longer use violence to solve problems in face of public resentment in Hong Kong; instead, it must resolve the problems by political means. This Election is precisely a competition between the two approaches. I greatly hope that we all will seize this opportunity to give the Hong Kong society as well as CPC a chance. In case CPC does not appreciate this, then much to our regret, our society will only degenerate into a much worse direction.

MR MARTIN LIAO (in Cantonese): President, the countdown to the Sixth District Council ("DC") Election has begun. Yet regrettably, over the past five months, Hong Kong society has been subjected to endless and escalating violence. Even without being at the riot scenes, one could see from the television live broadcasts that over the past few weeks, many black-clad rioters have hurled bricks, glass and petrol bombs, and even fired arrows at police officers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and other places over the territory. These violent crimes have really sent a chill down my spine. If the violence becomes even more rampant and brazen, how can DC candidates, electioneering teams and electors exercise the right to vote and the right to be elected on the polling day without any worries? How can polling officers feel at ease to carry out their work?

Since riots against the proposed legislative amendments have taken place, the violent acts of black-clad rioters have gone beyond daubing graffiti and vandalizing the facilities of pro-establishment Members' offices. They have set fire to paralyse office operations in an attempt to scare, or even injure staff of LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2201

Members' offices, volunteers and supporters of Members, and have directly impacted people who sought assistance from Members' offices. The black-clad rioters have extended their violence to incumbent DC members, candidates and electioneering team members. When DC members set up street booths to hand out flyers, they were not only lambasted, but violently assaulted. Examples include a candidate being hit in the head by a hard object while handing out flyers on the street; some candidates being ambushed and badly beaten on the street, ending up with their heads broken and bleeding; some being pursued and hit with wooden clubs, doused with unknown liquid, and a candidate having his ear bitten off. These incidents have caused great anxieties among candidates and their electioneering teams when conducting electoral activities.

On the 6th of this month, our Honourable colleague Mr Junius HO was attacked and injured by an armed assailant during a DC election campaign in Tuen Mun. Mr HO, a confirmed candidate for the DC Election, was assaulted and injured during the canvassing campaign of the DC Election. These violent assaults are really outrageous, and the use of violent means to blatantly interfere with the Election is absolutely unacceptable. If some of the attacks were lone-wolf incidents, then the attacks on pro-establishment incumbent DC members, candidates and electioneering team members were most probably organized and premeditated, rather than one-off actions committed by individuals.

In addition to threatening incumbent DC members, candidates and electioneering team members with violence, black-clad rioters directly interfered with the Election through a series of vandalizing acts conducted in an organized and premeditated manner. They blocked roads in various districts, set fires at exits of tunnels, hurled petrol bombs into MTR train compartments, and threw miscellaneous items and petrol bombs onto the tracks. The black-clad rioters said that the purpose of such violent acts was to force people to take part in a general strike on three fronts by the labour, business and education sectors. In fact, they were treating people as guinea pigs and gradually extending their actions till the polling day of the DC Election, so as to achieve the objective of "burning together".

President, there are 1 090 candidates running for the upcoming DC General Election to compete for 452 seats in the 18 districts. It can be said that this is the most contested election ever held in Hong Kong. Despite the keen competition, candidates and their electioneering teams must be able to conduct 2202 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 their electoral activities in a fair and just environment. For years, elections in Hong Kong have been renowned for being fair, open and just. Difference in political views should not be the excuse for violently assaulting or intimidating other candidates and their electioneering teams.

In the past, we have held numerous DC and Legislative Council general elections in Hong Kong, during which candidates and their electioneering teams made active efforts to canvass support. Even when disputes arose between candidates and electioneering teams, armed assaults rarely took place. After all, the election culture of Hong Kong is civilized in which various parties try to convince each other by reason and canvass for votes in a rational society. As reflected by past elections, even if there are disputes and complaints, most of the complaints were related to election advertisements, such as the use of loud-hailers and broadcast vehicles, telephone canvassing and other electoral activities that caused nuisances to electors.

The upcoming DC General Election has been clouded by an atmosphere of violence. Unlawful assemblies, demonstrations and processions of rioters have been taking place in different districts during weekends. Even on workdays during the week, there were unlawful demonstrations and processions by "flash mobs", disrupting the everyday lives of people. Wherever the rioters go, they would indiscriminately attack people who hold different political opinions. These rioters have disrespected the law and have seriously affected public safety with their actions.

President, this Election is a kind of "colour revolution". It is unrealistic for the Government to hope that the black-clad rioters can easily be stopped and that the DC Election can be conducted in a safe and orderly manner. This is as futile as fishing in the air.

Our present society and the Internet are laden with hate speeches, antagonistic sentiment prevails, and incidents of vigilante attacks are frequent, hence an atmosphere of fear is looming over the DC Election. With no more than three days to go, the Election will be held. If armed rioters assault candidates today, will they attack candidates or electioneering team members holding different political views tomorrow? Hence, I hereby urge all people to stop resorting to violence, regardless of whether they agree with the political views of a Member or a candidate.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2203

President, Hong Kong society has had enough of the threats posed by the black-clad rioters over the past five months. Not only have countless innocent people and businesses been affected, but more importantly, the personal safety of citizens is no longer ensured apart from financial losses. The SAR Government's efforts to stop violence and curb disorder have yet to quell violent incidents. The SAR Government convened a press conference last Friday to announce that an inter-departmental action group, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, would be formed to coordinate the work undertaken by relevant Policy Bureaux and departments. With the exception of recruiting officers from the Correctional Services Department to join the Police Force on a voluntary basis to provide supporting service, all other measures are simply inadequate to meet the people's pressing needs. Yesterday morning, rioters disrupted MTR train operation to deter people from going to work and to school, acting in response to the online call of the so-called "Dawn Action"; in the afternoon, people staged "flash mob" processions in Central and Kwun Tong, blocking traffic. May I ask what the inter-departmental action group has done to help the people who experienced delays? How can it ensure that the Election will be held in a fair, just and safe manner?

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs stated the other day the three criteria for conducting the DC Election as scheduled and three measures to ensure safety on the polling day. We can only say that such initiatives are better than none. If violent incidents cannot be stopped, the Election will be seriously affected. Most importantly, all parties involved in the Election―candidates, electioneering team members, volunteers, supporters, electors and the general public―have already lost their freedom from fear. Can candidates feel safe amidst such a divided and violent social atmosphere to canvass votes on the streets? Will electors be able to go to polling stations and cast their votes without being dissuaded and intimidated by violence?

The Electoral Affairs Commission ("EAC") indicated yesterday that it has been working with different Policy Bureaux and departments to closely monitor the situation, and has actively drawn up various security and contingency plans to deal with all kinds of circumstances which may arise during the Election. EAC has probably forgotten the briefing session for candidates held about a month ago. The session was forced to end about half an hour after commencement due to protests and disruptions from the audience. If EAC could not even conduct a simple and regular briefing session smoothly, how can EAC, by saying that it has drawn up various security and contingency plans, convince stakeholders that they can feel ease to participate in the Election? Is this not laughable?

2204 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Most members of the community who oppose violence and vandalism have come out on their own accord. We saw groups after groups of silent but sensible people, unafraid of threats of violence, remove barricades and debris from the roads out of their own will. These scenes were touching. They took concrete action to denounce the undue harassment and vandalism of the rioters. This shows that the public hopes to see society return to peace and order as soon as possible.

The Government should treasure and leverage on the public sentiments of those who have had enough of violence. Do not waste any more time. Do not wait for luck to show up at our doorstep and for the black-clad rioters to stop, and thereby miss the golden opportunity of stopping violence and curbing disorder. If the Government is to live up to the expectations of the unarmed and defenseless people who have stepped forward bravely, it should act with greater determination and commitment. The people have responded to the appeal made by the Government with actions. I hope the Government will not end up accomplishing nothing, but will do something concrete and produce results by turning these positive public sentiments into moves towards a fair and just election.

The silent but sensible people have come out fearlessly. I also hope they will make good use of the sacred vote in their hands to strongly say "no" to violence in a rational and civilized manner, and to state clearly the people's aspiration that the DC Election should not be marred by political violence.

The open, fair and just election culture of Hong Kong did not come by easily. I hope Members will cherish it and oppose any violent attempts to manipulate the Election. The HKSAR Government and EAC are duty-bound to ensure that election and electoral activities would be conducted in a fair, just and safe environment, as they have to be accountable to the people. This is an unshirkable responsibility for the Government and EAC.

However, President, it is no longer possible for this DC Election to be held in a normal, fair, just and safe manner. I take this opportunity to give a word of advice to the Secretary: When the Election is over, please do not describe it as a normal, fair and just Election, as that would be the biggest lie ever served to the people of Hong Kong and the world.

President, I so submit.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2205

MS CHAN HOI-YAN (in Cantonese): First of all, I would like to thank Ms YUNG Hoi-yan for moving this adjournment motion. The polling day of the District Council ("DC") Election on 24 November is only three days away, but there are still incidents of blocking traffic and obstructing the closing of train doors, as well as many rumours and statements intending to mislead voters. However, we are not aware that the Government has taken any specific and concrete actions to convince the public that a fair and just DC Election will be conducted. Thus, I think it is appropriate to conduct a debate on this subject in the Legislative Council now.

Let me first point out that some opposition Members have condemned a political party for indicating in advance its wish to reschedule or postpone the Election due to worries of losing. Those Members also said that Members should not say too much about their experience of being unfairly treated. Are Members not even allowed to say so? Some Members have really experienced a lot of unfair treatment, can they not even say so in this Chamber? If Members of that particular political party really wished to reschedule the Election, they would not have put their lives at risk, subjected themselves to verbal abuse and finger-pointing and strived to solicit votes in their constituencies day in day out up till now.

As Members of the Legislative Council, we should not let our stances take precedence over everything else. In fact, it is common to win or lose in a contest. If we have acted with a clear conscience and have tried our best, we could accept any result provided that the election is fair and just. Members present have strenuously requested the Secretary to ensure that the DC Election will be held on 24 November as scheduled. That is our common goal and may I ask Members to refrain from making excuses to reprimand some of our colleagues.

Many people or voters in my district queried how the Government could ensure that voters could go out to vote safely. How can the Government ensure the smooth conduct of the Election? How can the Government make voters feel that they can vote without being obstructed or intimidated? In fact, the Government has not specifically responded to these questions in detail. It has only repeatedly emphasized that it would tried its best to let voters vote this coming Sunday. I know that Secretary Patrick NIP is very diligent and committed; and he has responded these few days and made clarifications regarding some fake news. While we all think that he has done the right thing, I 2206 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 think he has acted a little too late. Moreover, it is not right that only his Policy Bureau has taken up the work; all Policy Bureaux should work together. How should this be done? I will go into detail later.

The Government as a whole must guarantee that voters can vote without any undue influence. However, guaranteeing that voters can vote safely is only one element of a fair election. The arrangement before the Election and the follow-up work are also very important.

In particular, I would like to mention what happened before this DC Election.

Looking back at the past month, since the closing date for nomination of candidates in the DC Election on 17 October, the exterior walls of offices of candidates in various districts have been defaced, the offices vandalized or even set on fire. When candidates were canvassing support at street booths, they were surrounded, harassed and verbally abused; their posters and banners were cut and smeared. Worse still, some candidates were attacked, ambushed or even stabbed with a sharp knife. After the occurrence of such vandalism, intimidation and attacks to intentionally cause bodily harm, how can candidates conduct their election campaigns normally? How can they solicit votes from voters without fear? How can that be regarded as a fair election?

At this time last year, I stood for the by-election of the Legislative Council. When I canvassed votes in some districts, I was harassed and pushed. I could not have contacts with voters because the residents were afraid and worried that my appearance might affect other members of the public. Unexpectedly, the situation this year is even worse; candidates in each district have been seriously obstructed in their campaigns. Some members of election campaign teams and experienced volunteers told me that the election campaigns this year are the toughest and most arduous ever. To give a very simple example, candidates of different political party and affiliation could put up posters in restaurants and shops in their districts in the past. However, many shops and buildings did not have the courage to let candidates do so this time. Candidates dared not make such requests because they did not want to cause trouble to the places. They did not want radicals to vandalize the shops and cause criminal damage. I said "vandalize" and "cause criminal damage" but not "renovate", a term used by those LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2207 who glamorize those criminal acts. The radicals caused criminal damage and vandalized restaurants, shops and buildings. When candidates dared not even make the simple move of putting up posters, how could they campaign support?

Some district officers and DC members complained to me that they were worried about harassment by people with different political views when they reached out to members of the public at street booths. They were not worried about their own safety, but that of their canvassing aides, assistants and volunteers. Thus, they had no alternative but to set up fewer street booths to avoid unnecessary conflict in the communities and stop all outdoor canvassing activities at night. Not only candidates, but also canvassing aides have been threatened. I have not stood for this DC Election, but I am a canvassing aide, cheering candidates and canvassing votes, but I have nonetheless been obstructed. When people are obstructed even in conducting usual canvassing activities, how can it be regarded as a fair election?

Not only the planning of election campaigns has been disrupted, there are also problems concerning electioneering materials and funding. As we all know, many offices of DC members have received "special care"; they have been repeatedly vandalized, and some have even been set on fire and damaged. Such terribly violent and destructive behaviour has not only greatly endangered the safety of residents, but also caused gross unfairness to candidates. Office facilities have been damaged; information files of routine community work and electioneering materials have been burnt and lost, causing confusion in computing campaign funding. Worse still, the entire election campaign of some candidates may have to stop completely. Even if I do not talk about the serious case of arson, the appearance of some railings on the pavements have made it impossible for candidates to hang their banners. For those candidates who can hang the banners, their faces are defaced or their banners slashed, etc. If they put up new banners, the costs have to be counted as part of their total electioneering expenditure; how can this be regarded as a fair election?

The Government would not have failed to notice the problems and the grossly unfair situations. Realizing that so many incidents of unfairness have occurred, what concrete work has the Government done? Has it immediately taken follow-up actions? Or, does it only ask the candidates concerned to file election petitions after the Election and considers that it has already dealt with the matter?

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In fact, disturbances arising from the opposition to the proposed legislative amendments have lasted for almost half a year, yet the chaotic situation has remained uncurbed. Worse still, the situation has become increasingly intense, not to mention the escalation of violence. Apart from large-scale confrontations on special days of protest, there are also "flash mob" actions in various communities on ordinary days. For example, MTR stations, banks, shops, restaurants, etc. suffered damage of different degrees; some offices of DC members have become major targets of destruction by radicals and campaign team members of candidates have also became targets for venting grievances.

Last week, the situation has worsened. Hong Kong has virtually become a zone of rubble. Some people have repeatedly initiated a general strike on three fronts. They have resorted to various means, even illegal means, to block roads, extract bricks from the ground, set fire, burn vehicles and hurl petrol bombs. A number of trunk roads and cross harbour tunnels are still blocked and the Mass Transit Railway, our main transportation network, has not been spared. Basically, transportation services of the whole territory have almost been paralysed. On the surface, this has affected people's lives in travelling to work and to school. But, in fact, it has produced another effect, that is, create fear among members of the general public. The people are afraid of going out and they are worried that similar situations may occur when they go out to vote this Sunday; they are afraid that the Government will not be able to ensure that they can exercise their right to vote without being obstructed or intimidated.

The whole Government has to seriously review the current situation of escalating violent intimidation and candidates being harassed every day. It cannot keep on responding that "we will continue to keep track of the development", "we shall continue to do practical work" and "we hope that the Election will be conducted as scheduled in a fair and just manner". The Government has repeatedly stated that it will keep track of the development, but it seems that it is unaware of the above mentioned situation and I do not know what the reasons are. In fact, if public officers just use their mobile phones to surf the Internet, they will learn about many unfair incidents.

More than a month ago, I noticed that some people―they may be Internet celebrities or people working in radio stations―have incited young people to hide the identity cards of their elderly relatives or parents, so as to stop them from voting. Let us not talk about which candidates and the parties they belong to will benefit from such acts; the act of disabling other people to vote is to deprive LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2209 them of their right to vote. Everyone has the right to vote in elections and no one should be deprived of this right. Thus, when members of the public see such online messages, please stop sharing them and tell others that the act is wrong.

Furthermore, I have also noticed that some online propaganda has disseminated misleading information to voters. The latest online propaganda these two days is instructing people how to vote for more than one candidate on one ballot paper. The purpose of this act is to punish candidates of a certain camp, but in reality it will render our votes invalid. I must stress that the method proposed is wrong. A voter cannot vote for more than one candidate on one ballot paper; he or she can only vote for one candidate. If there are several stamps on a ballot paper, the vote will become invalid. The Government should come forward to call on people not to disseminate these wrong messages.

In addition, it has been widely publicized that the DC Election scheduled on 24 November has been cancelled. The purpose is to stop people from going to the polling station. Up to this moment, we are still demanding in our discussion in the Legislative Council that the Election be held from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm on 24 November. That kind of propaganda is really unfair and it may actually affect the Election; it spreads so quickly and widely that it has become uncontrollable.

This Election is now facing wave after wave of attacks and vandalism. I expected some enhanced strategies from the Government to respond to the situation, but unfortunately, I have not seen any. Is it true that the Government is at its wits' end or cannot think of any way out? Is it true that the Government does not know how to handle the situation? In fact, the Government could handle the situation in the past. To put it very simply, considering that there are so many misleading and wrong messages on the Internet, why does the Government not make use of its online edge or make use of its mascots to spread messages on the Internet?

In April when society was still peaceful and calm, the Government changed the online photos of seven mascots on the same day at around 7 o'clock to form a league. Why did it do so? The reason was that a super hero movie was released at the time in Hong Kong and the Government summoned these seven mascots for publicity. What did "Anyone" of the Fire Services Department say when its photo was changed? Members may have forgotten. "Anyone" said, "I 2210 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 will gather correct information from the whole Department"; the Keep Clean Ambassador "Ah Tak" said, "Our power is limited as individuals; but together, we Hong Kong people will have infinite power"; and "Big Waster" said, "We will perform best if we join hands". It is ridiculous that under the recent situation, these seven mascots have totally forgotten what they said in April. During the five months from June to October, we do not need them to protect the world or use any infinite power; I am only asking them to save Hong Kong and help us conduct a fair election. Yet, all of them have disappeared. What is left then? Now we only have the police officers who have no time to eat or sleep and the Police Force is not represented by any mascot. Has the Government tried its best? It deployed all seven mascots in April and we are only asking them to help out now. These seven mascots had once made impressive remarks, but where have they gone now? Have they gone hiking? I noticed that the owner of "Big Waster" has gone hiking and all other relevant public officers have disappeared too.

Regarding the hit rate of the government websites, I am afraid it is really very low. Why did the Government not make good use of its websites by using methods such as the one I suggested earlier? In fact, the Government could have done a good job. Take the publicity materials at the website of the DC Election 2019 as an example. The advertisement currently broadcast on television gives people an impression that nothing has happened in Hong Kong recently. It only appeals to people to vote during the specified time, and remind them not to commit electoral fraud and not to tell anyone whom they have voted for, etc. It seems that the publicity materials have been prepared in a parallel universe. Thus, I think the Government could have done some work, but it has not tried its best.

Finally, I would like to say that we are only three days away from the Election. I am a Member of the Legislative Council and a registered voter too. I have my own family and I belong to a certain election constituency. I would like to elect someone who will do practical work and truly wish to serve the neighbourhood as a DC member. District work is not easy, it requires deep ploughing and careful cultivation. Many DC members and district officers have spent much time in serving our communities, sacrificing the time they spent with their families. They have strived to address livelihood issues and solve problems for the people in their districts. They have diligently and gradually build our communities. I very much hope that voters will make good use of their votes. They should observe carefully whether the candidates are people of LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2211 integrity and how they performed in the past, so that we can elect DC members who will really do practical work for our communities. Do not be afraid; cast your vote.

I so submit.

MR CHAN HAN-PAN (in Cantonese): President, the remark that we heard most often during this period of time is the desire for having a fair election. When we visited the district and talked to the candidates in the past few days, they all said that they were unable to set up street booths in the evening and their offices were vandalized. What is more, they and the residents are under psychological threats, it is thus very doubtful if voters dare come out to vote.

Not only our publicity materials were destroyed, but shops posting our publicity materials received warnings before they were "renovated", that is, vandalized. Mudslinging seems to go on and on, and the so-called Lennon Walls are affixed with posters containing inaccurate and mudslinging information. Some publicity posters were created by netizens to call on voters of a certain district to vote for a particular candidate. While we are all required to clearly report the costs incurred for producing publicity materials and include them as election expenses, other candidates are free to use the walls in various districts for publicity purpose. Is this fair? If our banners are displayed at an inappropriate location in the streets, they would be removed, but still they have to be counted as election expenses. Then what about the materials affixed on the so-called Lennon Wall? How can this be regarded as a fair election? The opposition camp has been campaigning via the Internet and claimed that the publicity was initiated by members of the public on a voluntary basis. Can the Government arrest them or count the expenses incurred as election expenses? How can this be regarded as fair?

As for the candidates of the Election, they were doxxed after the nomination. Also, their family members have been harassed and even their electioneering teams have been stalked. How can there be a fair election under such circumstances? We very much hope that a fair election will be conducted, and just now many colleagues also expressed their wish for a fair election. However, Mr Andrew WAN queried whether a fair election has ever existed as elections have never been fair. In the past, it was common to see candidates being besieged and berated and there had been cases where the candidates were 2212 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 beaten up. Furthermore, the problem of banners being cut has always existed. He said that the recent unfair incidents were no different from those in the past. Since the Government had not taken any action in the past, it was not surprising that it turned a blind eye to the present situation. He described the throwing of petrol bombs, mudslinging, destructing other people's properties and threatening the personal safety of others as "not ideal". I nonetheless consider it very ridiculous for him to describe the present situation as "not ideal".

I wonder if he has now become accustomed to unfair elections. There are some actions that we certainly will not take, but he will. For example, he had abused the complaint mechanism in the last DC election. In order to play up the fear of "ghost voters", he lodged a complaint to the Government, claiming that some people were "ghost voters". These "ghost voters" were actually volunteers who had worked for him for many years, members of mutual aid committees and even chairman of an owners' corporation. He had employed dirty tactics to depict these people, who were residents of the district, as "ghost voters". As a result, all of them had to stand trial in court. Some elders were trembling in fear and even a sick person had to go to court. Why would this happen? That was because someone wanted to make use of the mechanism to snitch on other people. Was this fair? Although we reported that someone had abused the mechanism, the Police had not taken any follow up action or given any response, and the case ended up with nothing definite, not to mention imposing penalties. How could this be regarded as fair? He continued to mudsling his opponents, spread rumours, try to gain popularity and accuse other people of vote-rigging, but the truth is that he had been making false reports time and again. He accused someone of vote-rigging, so was he not accusing the pro-establishment camp of vote-rigging? We really cannot do something like this and this is downright a scam. As stated by my party comrade Mr Steven HO, this is comparable to the scam of Quantum Speed Reading.

Some people always call for the implementation of genuine universal suffrage, but when Hong Kong moved a concrete step forward for implementation, they argued that it was not genuine universal suffrage and therefore should not be implemented. Hence, we were eventually deprived of an opportunity to take even half a step. The so-called universal suffrage promoted by them is nothing but a castle in the air, which is impossible to achieve or beyond one's reach, because at the end of the day, he will say that is not genuine universal suffrage. However, he is not going to tell you what genuine means, is LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2213 the American style or British style genuine? He merely keeps on saying that it is not genuine. What else can it be if what they are fighting for is not a castle in the air?

At this moment of time, can the Election be held? We eagerly hope that it can be held because members of the public will be given a choice so that they can choose construction or destruction. The party comrade of Mr WAN said that the pro-establishment camp did not want the Election to take place for fear of losing. I nonetheless very much hope that the Election can be held on Sunday as scheduled. They said we did not want the Election to be held for fear of losing, but I think they are the ones who are most afraid of losing.

Let me give you an example. Candidates of Shek Yam are standing on the streets every day, but kaifongs said they have not seen Mr WAN for two weeks. Does he foresee that he will surely win or lose, or bet that the Election cannot be held as scheduled so that he does not want to waste any time …

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr CHAN Han-pan, I would like to remind you that you should try to avoid mentioning the names of candidates in your speech, and you should not disseminate messages that may be seen as promoting or prejudicing the election of any candidate or may achieve a similar result. Please continue with your speech.

MR CHAN HAN-PAN (in Cantonese): President, I am only telling the truth, but I respect your advice and will focus my speech on this motion.

After listening to the speeches given by opposition Members, I think they contain remarks that confound right and wrong. Such remarks have reminded me of a statement made in the television program Police Magazine, that is, "Swindlers have many varied tricks". Therefore, I hope members of the public can see clearly that the present election situation is very unfair and is a cause for concern. For example, referring to the current violent attacks in the community, the opposition camp considers it unacceptable for the Police to use violence against the demonstrators. However, has he pointed out who has used violence against members of the public or the community? Just now Mr WAN said that students who blocked the roads were beaten up, given that they were only students. And yet, blocking the roads means obstructing people from going to 2214 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 work. People had been very tolerant at the beginning of the movement, but now they have been driven beyond forbearance and thus take matters into their hands. However, Mr WAN only blamed people for taking action, but was silent on students who prevented people from "making a living". Mr WAN should have made some fair comments and persuaded the students not to block roads for this was wrong, but he dared not say so. On the other hand, he has magnified the culture of vigilantism that has emerged this month. He said that people rose to struggle because they were driven to revolt by the oppressive government, but he was completely silent on people throwing petrol bombs. He kept repeating that oppressive government drives the people to revolt. Does this justify the throwing of petrol bombs or spraying gasoline on someone and set him on fire? Today, no Member from the opposition camp has mentioned these cases, let alone severing ties with those people.

On the other hand, they blamed the MTR Corporation Limited ("MTRCL") for its poor performance and slow maintenance progress. They added that MTRCL was able to remain intact initially, and was vandalized only after it became the "Communist Party's Railway". They considered their act reasonable. Yet, the destruction of MTR stations has caused travel inconvenience to members of the public, so how can this act be regarded as reasonable? I find such logic extremely outrageous.

Today, the society has developed to a point that the opposition party has evidently not said a word to condemn the prevalence of social violence, but put all the blame on the Government and the Police, which is really absurd. It must be noted that it takes two to tango. They have only condemned one side without uttering a word of condemnation against the other. Is there something wrong with them? This is really outrageous.

Therefore, I hope that people will, through this Election, come out to uphold justice. I consider it acceptable to criticize the Government for its inaction because it has not done anything during this period, but simply relied on the Police to enforce the law. We must therefore respect the Police for enforcing the law. Of course, there are areas that the Police have not done well and should be criticized, but how come we cannot criticize the acts of rioters?

Today, it is doubtful whether the Election can be held in a fair manner as scheduled. Who should be blamed in the end? Can we blame the Police for enforcing the law? Why not blame those who disrupt social order but lay the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2215 blame on the people who enforce the law? This is really inexplicable. If I were the "chef" staying in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, I would teach the people who stayed in the campus as if they were my children, trying to awaken them, and at the same time, awaken the Members in this Chamber. Given that they receive salaries from public coffers, they should help the community by speaking out of their conscience.

Just think, given that there are so many people living in Hong Kong, who is going to bear the consequences if law and order is disrupted? Members of the public will have to bear the consequences. Some people say that they want to "burn together"; yet only the grass roots will be "burnt together" but not the richest people. Recently, some members of the public asked me: If the situation continues and the Government runs out of money, will they not receive the "fruit grant" anymore? If this happens, they will be at a loss. Will the Government grant them Comprehensive Social Security Assistance? These are the issues of prime concern to members of the public at present. By "burning together", the richest people will definitely not be affected because they can move to live in any other places at any time. The victims are the grass roots who may be dismissed by their employers for failing to report duty, or who simply cannot get a job. Therefore, the grass-roots people are the hardest hit.

I hope that through this Election, members of the public will come forward to make a choice. Will they choose construction or destruction? Will they choose freedom of speech or will they prefer being hit on the head with a hammer for saying something not pleasant to the ears of other people? Will they choose to see Hong Kong continue to prosper or perish? Will they choose a harmonious life or relentless quarrel? In these few days, many friends called me time and again, asking me what has happened in Hong Kong, why the problem has remained unsettled so far and when this dispute will end. My response is the riots will hopefully end after the Election. We also hope that the Election can be expeditiously held so that people can have a choice. It is absolutely incorrect for some opposition Members to say that we not want the Election to take place. Rather, we are very eager to see the Election being held as scheduled. We very much hope that people are eligible to vote will make their choice, and tell the community whether their choice is continued violence or stop violence and curb disorder. This is our objective.

2216 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Are we able to cast our vote this Sunday morning? Will the polling stations be burned down or destroyed? I can tell you that we will never take such actions though some people will, and we will only uphold a fair and just election.

Every one of us who serve the community is dedicated to serving with honesty and diligence. During a meal with Mr Wilson OR today, I said that we stood together with the people through thick and thin, and sought to achieve harmony in the community with our sweat and toil. However, after the emergence of that group of people, having an election is tantamount to not having an election. Therefore, Secretary, I hope that you, being a public officer, will uphold justice. We do not want to see anything happen to the polling stations or any voter being intimidated in the course of voting. I hope that the Government will stand firm and be committed to holding a fair and just election that makes people's voices heard. I trust that this is what members of the public would love to see. Can the Government do that?

President, I so submit.

MR JUNIUS HO (in Cantonese): President, I would like to thank Ms YUNG Hoi-yan for proposing an adjournment motion under Rule 16(2) of the Rules of Procedure. It is now an appropriate time to propose the motion, as the District Council ("DC") Election will be held this Sunday. Having listened to the speeches of many Members, I realize that their perceptions of the current social conditions of Hong Kong are dominated by violence, hatred and negative thoughts. As the future pillars of society, students are supposed to study at schools, but why do they participate in street movements, hurl firebombs and beat up others? There are different views in a family, in any place or in any organization, but do the current conditions represent our future? It is most important that we should consider how to be accommodating, and how to enable Hong Kong to rise up again from this abyss―hopefully it is not a place of no return.

First, I must declare that I will also participate in the Election this Sunday. It does not matter who the losers or winners are, for nobody wants to win the Election but lose Hong Kong. It does not matter if one belongs to the pro-establishment or pan-democratic camp, as long as he is truly dedicated to Hong Kong, win or lose is not a matter of concern. This is not a private job, but LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2217 a job to serve the public. The job should be taken up by capable persons; and most important of all, by dedicated persons. For this reason, bribery, intimidation, violence or any petty tricks are all unwarranted. If one truly has the heart to serve the public, voters can naturally see his intent. One does not need to bemoan his fate, saying that he will never get elected because the election is unfair. If one thinks that the election is unfair, it further demonstrates that he is not broad-minded and optimistic. The reason is that this job will not make you rise up in the world, but requires your all-out effort to serve the public.

I have never been lazy since being elected, as I set up street booths at least two days each week. I publish a report on district affairs every two weeks, and I share with local residents the progress or result of every task. This is actually a tiring job. If one is really dedicated to the work, he will find joy in sorrow. But if he takes up the work solely for the fantasy of fame or applause, he can actually have many other choices. He does not need to be a DC member or a Legislative Council Member, nor does he need to be a government official. Nowadays, all government officials are scathingly criticized.

Pan-democratic Members may probably believe that it is now a golden opportunity for them to excel, and hence the Election must not be put on hold despite tumultuous external conditions. They also opine that if the pro-establishment camp requests that the election be aborted, postponed or canceled, then we will be in the wrong. But I do not think so. We should say that regardless of who wins, Hong Kong must win. The victory of Mr WU Chi-wai does not mean the defeat of Hong Kong; or the victory of Mr Junius HO does not mean the collapse of Hong Kong. His stance is different from mine; his perception of the way forward is different from mine. If we two can cooperate, we will be able to see the blind spots of each other and urge each other to do a good job.

For this reason, one should by no means believe that only one party can exist. Can we co-exist? As long as one is dedicated to serving the public, who wins the election makes no difference. From the perspective of the public, Mr Junius HO has been doing a good job these days, but this does not mean that he will take up the post indefinitely. Another person may take up the post next time, and Mr Junius HO will not be in that position forever. As long as one treats voters and serves the community with a sincere attitude, it will be visible to anyone. For this reason, Members do not need to be headstrong.

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As far as I am concerned, I am eager to see the smooth conduct of the Election. Conducting an election involves a lot of manpower and money, hence the elections of legislative assemblies are held once every four years. In this election battle, one should adopt a highest level of ethics and a most rational attitude to demonstrate his utmost energy, so that voters can make their decisions. Finally, when the contestants stand on the stage, we should congratulate the other party regardless of whether we win or lose. Why can't we do so? We could do so in the past, possibly because we did not understand the issue thoroughly and were merely putting up a show.

That said, we went through Occupy Central in 2014 and the riot on 9 February 2016. Thereafter, the Executive Council conducted a public consultation on amending the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance in February this year, so as to plug an existing legal loophole. While the intent was good, some Members seemed to be crafty and avaricious. They steadfastly upheld their political stances and engaged in personal rivalries, thus distorting the issue and placing Hong Kong in an unprecedented predicament. What have been vandalized are not merely dead objects, as stated by Ms Claudia MO. The Legislative Council Complex was vandalized on 1 July. It is 21 November today, and we have returned to the Complex, which has been repaired. But our future has been jeopardized. Even though few people were actually affected, this incident has already inflicted great harm on Hong Kong. Should we consider how to heal this wound or continue to rub salt into the wound?

On 6 November, a person with a smiling face came toward to me. I noted that he was very shy. Before he crossed the road, he has been taking photos of me on the opposite side. An alarm was rung as he was standing too close to a Light Rail train. At that juncture, I even teased him, saying that photo-taking was secondary and safety the most important. After crossing the road, he entered a shopping mall in an embarrassing manner. Ten minutes later, he came out and presented me with a bouquet of flowers, saying that he supported and appreciated my work. And I was then not vigilant at all. He said that he had a request. I immediately said whether his request was to take a photo with me and I acceded to his request. In fact, my colleagues earlier said that this person had appeared several times. He looked a bit silly and there should be no problem with him. For this reason, I acceded to his request though I am slightly vigilant. When he came toward me with a bouquet of flowers …

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2219

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr Junius HO, I would like to remind you that the content of your speech may relate to a case being trial in court. Please pay heed.

MR JUNIUS HO (in Cantonese): Okay, I just wanted to share my feeling rather than hatred. President, you need to understand the essence of my speech. I hope that we can achieve rapprochement. What is the objective of the subject today? It is the wish that the Election can be conducted in a fair, open, just and safe manner.

I would like to point out that even if a person came forward and gave me a bouquet of flowers, he could hide a dagger behind his smile. Today I may confront you and chastise you severely, but I may not be that evil deep in my heart. In fact, an election is partial and short-lived, but the eyes of voters are discerning. Efforts pay off. Can Members who take up the seat really serve Hong Kong and will not just say a few words and end the matter. God is watching over what you are doing, and we need to examine ourselves three times each day, right? If we want to set a good example, we need to create favourable conditions for our next generation.

I have observed the performance of our next generation nowadays, and my heart―not wound―is still painful. The Chinese University of Hong Kong and then The Hong Kong Polytechnic University ("PolyU") have both turned into battlefields. Why so? In fact, we are all sinners. How could we say the acts of students or what has happened in these two universities are not related to us at all? There must be a causal relationship. Under such circumstances, should we add fuel to the fire or should we ameliorate the situation? This is a very important question.

Secretary, the results of the Election on 24 November are actually not important to me at all. But I do not hope that some of us will win the election but lose Hong Kong. For this reason, how can we get out of the current impasse? In order to do so, I would like to urge Mr WU Chi-wai, who is present at the meeting, to mobilize pan-democratic colleagues. I may ridicule them at times, but I am speaking to them in all sincerity today. I hope that we can have a civilized election, demonstrate our generosity, and manifest our breadth of mind. I hope we can issue a joint statement urging all 4.13 million voters of Hong Kong to cast their votes. We should put aside the issue of referendum, as we are ideologically different. In this DC Election, we should cast our votes in a very civilized way; let us not resort to violence or incitement, and let us respect each other. Can we make all this happen?

2220 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

If we can issue such a joint statement, Hong Kong will be blessed. I will not accuse anyone of being in the right or in the wrong. Neither should the other side accuse our side of being in the right or in the wrong. Let voters make their decisions. Let us stop speculating how things will develop and hence how voters will react. We will not talk about all such issues. If we can, we should resolve the stalemate tonight, so that the 100 persons or so in the campus of PolyU can come out safely. While they have to face legal consequences for their wrongdoings, they should protect their lives as a commendation to their parents who bore and reared them. Everyone has a talent. They had done something on impulse and they should come out today. Why should we argue bitterly with them in this Chamber? We should lead them out of the campus, so that we can vote together on Sunday. The world tomorrow is in our own hands today. We should not always think in a negative way, saying something about mutual destruction or "burning together". Why do we have to "burn together"? Hong Kong has so many favourable conditions; the United States will be very happy to see us "burning together" and collapsing. We will thus be victims of our own success. Hong Kong is so successful; is it that we are so well off and comfortable that we should ask for trouble and delight in doing so? Stop doing so. We should join hands to lead these young people to return to the right track. Those who support the Democratic Party may support the Democratic Party, those who support the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong ("DAB") may support DAB, and if I prefer to be an independent, I will be an independent. We should induce them to return to the right track. Diversity and multiple choices are the ideals that we pursue. In your heart there is me, and in my heart there are you. This is Hong Kong.

Thank you, President. I so submit.

MR WU CHI-WAI (in Cantonese): President, the earlier speech of Mr Junius HO sounds a bit ironic to me. The Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 discussed by the Council earlier had provoked an uproar, opening the eyes of the general public to realize that the SAR Government has totally disregarded public views. Consequently, a series of incidents were triggered. Mr HO, however, said that we could reconcile. However, reconciliation is only possible if the one who started the trouble would end it. But what is in the mind of the Government and what will it do?

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In the past few days, many community leaders went to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, trying to persuade protesters, students and young people inside the campus to leave. Their tremendous efforts have convinced most of the protesters to leave. Yet, has anyone truly listened to the protesters and understand why there is such a large group of protesters who are willing to risk their life and freedom, and even in the face of bloodshed, they will not be deterred. Do they join in the movement because they have no worries in life? Or is it because our society has become so bad that they do not see other ways to reduce social unfairness? I would say this is the root problem.

Speaking of this District Council ("DC") Election, just now, when many colleagues spoke, they criticized the different types of violent acts, including threats made against members of the electioneering team. We all know that violence is not a solution, and none of us wants our society to become violent. However, poll results indicate that members of the public have shown understanding that the escalating violence is due to the failure of different parties in making compromise and hence bringing our society to a dead end. Why is it so? I am not sure if colleagues and government officials sitting opposite to me have ever pondered on the causal relationship. My observation is that, over the past six months, the Government has often failed to make timely response and relied solely on the suppression of the Police. Worse still, the Government has connived at the wrongdoings of the Police during the process of suppression, heightening conflicts and bloodshed between the two sides. How can peace be restored in this situation?

This DC Election is an important platform for people to show their stance. As remarked by the pro-establishment camp, this Election represents a choice between construction and destruction. But what is to be constructed? Are we going to construct a society full of magnificent hardware and yet continue to tolerate social unfairness and institutional violence? During the clashes, protesters who use violence will have to face legal sanctions and pay for their wrongdoings; police officers, by contrast, are likely to walk free even though they may have violated the police orders.

The establishment of an independent commission of inquiry is the demand gaining the widest public consensus in Hong Kong. However, this demand cannot be met due to the Police's opposition. If we look at the violence issue from this perspective, should we simply put the blame on protesters and accused them of escalating violence? Why do they escalate violence? Why do they damage the city? That is because they want to exert more pressure on the Government; they want to wake Hong Kong up at the cost of their freedom and 2222 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 injuries. They want the general public to understand that some vital values of Hongkongers, as a group, are being eroded gradually and what our prospect will actually be. Has the Government ever dealt with these problems? It keeps saying that all initiatives will have to wait till the end of violence and disorder, but this is a chicken and egg problem. The Government is a high wall to the people. When there are people throwing eggs at the wall, the Government does nothing but blame the people. As long as the high wall remains intact, government officials will continue to do things in their own way. In fact, this is the most important issue that we should discuss today.

Unfortunately, the issue of election has continued to overwhelm our debate. Anyway, the DC Election will soon be held, and we all know that an election always comes with demands. The pro-establishment camp says that electors opting for construction should vote for them or else … we are depicted as riot leaders in many posters, but I have to point out that the SAR Government is the initiator of the whole movement. The Government's failure to listen to the people has made the latter realize that they should no longer accept its authoritarian rule. People now show understanding of the protesters' escalation of violence. On top of that, the Police's brutal suppression has brought about lots of unnatural deaths and injuries, and many people have been drawn into the movement as a result of indiscriminate arrest. In this DC Election, although these issues have been raised by the opposition camp, shouldn't the SAR Government respond and tell members of the public its views on its administration, police brutality and the future of Hong Kong?

Under "one country, two systems", we always hope that the promises of "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" and "a high degree of autonomy" will be honoured in Hong Kong. We also hope that the provisions in the Basic Law will not be bent or distorted as they are crucial for safeguarding the rights of Hong Kong people and distinguishing Hong Kong from the Mainland. However, this major cornerstone is eroding. There are often accusations alleging that foreign people or the international community have made unfair comments on Hong Kong's affairs. These people love to hide behind the pretext of "foreign powers" to see problems. This is the common mindset of the pro-establishment camp, the Central Government and the royalists. Yet, one must understand that Hong Kong is an international city. It is simply natural for foreign countries to have stakes in Hong Kong, and the very reason for them to be willing to hold stakes is that they believe Hong Kong is implementing "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law that they are familiar with. In their eyes, Hong Kong still has the rule of law, and not the rule by law. They hope that Hong Kong will maintain freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom to enter or leave Hong LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2223

Kong. A row of incidents have, however, proved otherwise. Whenever this kind of incidents happens, we cannot help thinking: "Isn't there a pledge that things will remain unchanged for 50 years, how come drastic changes are made some 20 years after the handover?" Many people are worried about this …

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): Mr WU Chi-wai, please return to the subject of this debate.

MR WU CHI-WAI (in Cantonese): President, I am returning to this subject, which is about how to guarantee a fair, just and safe environment for the DC Election to be held this Sunday. I call on all parties, no matter what their original plan may be, to stay calm so that the Election can be held.

Over the past 22 years, we have thought of different ways to promote democracy. Today, young people think that the old ways no longer work. Since they are the masters of the future, they have their own thoughts, and as their elders, are we duty-bound to understand them and help them stay in a familiar place, rather than telling them to move to the Greater Bay Area all the time? Being born and raised in Hong Kong, young people certainly prefer staying in Hong Kong to create their ideal life.

Therefore, this subject indeed covers a very wide topic. I hope that the SAR Government will, after listening to my colleagues' speeches, hold the Election this Sunday with strong confidence and determination. Although we have spoken on different matters, we all believe that the Election should be held on 24 November as scheduled. As we all know, DC members to be returned in the 452 constituencies are not just ordinary DC members. Instead, they are the ones to decide our future directions, including whether the authorities should be allowed to get hold of all powers in Hong Kong and which important elements should be included in realizing "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" and "a high degree of autonomy".

Hong Kong belongs to Hongkongers. Under the "two systems" of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has its own characteristics and core values, and it was actually specially designed by the Central Government before the handover in view of the worries of Hong Kong people. I hope the Central Government, the SAR Government, Hong Kong people and the pro-establishment camp will all understand that the authorities should never exercise their power to the fullest; otherwise, their governance will not be people-oriented. Turning a 2224 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 blind eye to the extremely unfair allocation of social resources will take the shine off Hong Kong and leave no room for accommodation. Also, when the authorities exercise their power to the fullest, people with no power will certainly fight back by all means. Therefore, very often, confrontation can only be eased when the authorities are willing to exercise self-restraint. That is how we can break a deadlock. Thank you, President.

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I now call upon Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan to speak. After Mr CHEUNG finishes his speech, I will call upon the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs to speak again. Mr CHEUNG Kwok-kwan, please speak.

MR CHEUNG KWOK-KWAN (in Cantonese): President, just now, Mr WU Chi-wai used egg and high wall to describe the present situation of Hong Kong. I think this description is inappropriate, I would describe the present situation as petrol bomb and water barrier. I think Mr WU Chi-wai's description of egg and high wall has underestimated and even prettified the scenes of violence that take place in the streets in Hong Kong every day.

President, I will go back to the theme of the motion today. When it comes to elections, from the 1990s in the last century up till today, we have always been proud of the electoral system in Hong Kong. People may have different views about the extent of openness of the present political system but our electoral system can be considered as fair, just and open, a system that Hong Kong people have taken pride in over the years. Of course, I am not saying that past elections were perfect as occasionally, there were cases of electoral fraud but such cases were sporadic and unorganized, and could be handled under the prevailing legal framework in Hong Kong. Hence, in the past, despite the occasional cases of vote rigging and corrupt conducts, through the efforts of law enforcement agency, the offenders were prosecuted and brought to justice after the court meted out punishments to them. Through such efforts, Hong Kong was able to keep its election system clean and free from corruption.

Nevertheless, why do we have to debate the coming election? Let me put it this way: we conduct this debate because there have been cases of systematic and organized crimes to ruin the election, and such cases could not be addressed under our present legal system and by the law enforcement agency. Today, Mr CHAN Chi-chuen mentioned that there were similar cases in the past and there were always people crying foul in each election, such as the suspicion of LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2225 vote rigging. President, I am not talking about the coming election. I want to say that in one of the elections that I ran in, I was accused of vote rigging by my rival. As observed from my experience, it is very often an election tactic to accuse the rival of vote rigging, with the accuser playing the part of the victim. Apart from me, candidates of many other constituencies had also been accused of corrupt conduct in election, such as voters of different surnames being registered under the same address. Owing to the accusation, I had to face an election petition. At the court, I faced a star-studded team of barristers hired by my rival. After the barrister of my rival had spoken for an hour, the Judge ruled that the accusation was unfounded and my barrister did not have the chance to speak. Very often, such kind of accusation is groundless or is just an election strategy. Even if there are problems, as I just said, the court will handle impartially and bring the perpetrators to justice.

President, in this election, as I said just now, the problems we have to face are not sporadic, neither can they be handled by election petitions. Why do I say that? What has happened that destroyed our fair election system in an organized and systematic manner? Many Members today have mentioned the so-called Lennon Walls. Since the commencement of the election and after the nomination of candidates, Lennon Walls in all 18 districts in Hong Kong have expressed unfair and even slanderous comments targeting certain candidates, yet the Government is incapable of handling the situation properly. What is the development of Lennon Walls? President, at a later stage, the original role of Lennon Walls no longer existed. Recently, large character posters have been posted in all places, including footbridges, shopping malls, staircases, etc. The tactics used are even more vicious than loan sharks collecting debts. The candidates are anonymously slandered for not repaying their debts, and there is no way to trace the person who made the defamatory remark. How can it be considered fair under such circumstances?

Besides the Lennon Walls, some members' offices have been set on fire. This point has been mentioned by Members today. We have 80 offices and they have been seriously damaged and set on fire over 100 times. In the most serious case, an office has been vandalized nine times in the past few months. Consequently, the District Council ("DC") member could no longer work in his local office. Why was his office vandalized? That is because someone did not want him to work in the district. Apart from having their offices vandalized, some candidates have been threatened, their addresses and the personal particulars of their family members have been doxxed, and some have also received nuisance calls late at night. I had the experience of receiving dozens of calls one night. When I picked up the phone, the other party said, "CHEUNG 2226 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Kwok-kwan, watch your back." Other than that, recently a candidate was harassed at his residence. When he went out one morning, he found words threatening to kill his whole family sprayed on the wall outside his flat. Some candidates were beaten when they set up street booths and some even had petrol bombs thrown at them recently. Yesterday, a candidate was beaten up by about a dozen secondary students wearing school uniforms.

Did such incidents ever happen in the past elections? Why do such incidents happen in all 18 districts in this election? Why are people afraid to voice different political views? Why do some of our supporters dare not make their positions known even though they support us? Is it a fair election? How come the briefing session held by the Electoral Affairs Commission ("EAC") could not run smoothly and had to be aborted? How could EAC tell us that the election was fair?

President, under such circumstances, I just cannot help but feel very agitated. Of course, I would not go so far as to request the cancellation of the election or ask the SAR Government to keep the election fair and just. I once told the SAR Government that I only hoped it would try, as far as possible, to prevent the election from being too unfair. I do not believe it would be possible to achieve absolute fairness. The election will be held in just a few days. After so many things have happened, I am only asking that it would not be too unfair. It is not an excessive demand, is it?

Regarding the incidents I mentioned earlier, they all happened in this Election, and protesters have instantly caused the collapse of the election system. What are the reasons? It all originated from the protesters' idea of "achieving justice by violating the law" and from their disregard for the rule of law and the consequence. What are the challenges to the rule of law? The challenges are the breakdown of social norm and the acceptance of illegal acts, thereby shaking the foundation of the rule of law.

Not too long ago, some students of The Chinese University of Hong Kong applied to the court for an injunction to bar the Police from entering the University. After the application was turned down, someone set fire on the Shatin Magistrates' Courts that night. Students apply for an injunction on the one hand and once the application was turned down, they commit arson on the other. What kind of spirit of the rule of law is that? Is the rule of law in Hong Kong under great threat? Why has society turned into such a state? In just a few months' time, the entire system is seriously challenged. President, as mentioned by someone today, a certain person in authority said, "It does not LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2227 matter. Sometimes, violence is indeed the solution to certain issues." Some Member also quoted today the remark: "The objective of breaching the law is to obey the law." And then, there was another quote, "Having a criminal record will enrich one's life." I have another example that has not been cited by Members before and I wish to cite it now.

As we all know, recently a police officer fired at a young man who tried to snatch his gun. In order not to affect the election, I will not make public the name of the person in question. Do you know how a lawyer who has been on friendly terms with the pan-democratic political parties commented on this incident? He said, "In accordance with the police regulations in the world, a police office is only allowed to use lethal weapons such as guns when he is in life-threatening danger"―this comment is right―"but the condition that a police officer can fire when someone tries to snatch his gun is too vague and is unreasonable." What else did he say? "It was unreasonable for the police officer to fire just because someone touched the handle of the gun. If that person failed to snatch the gun, then there was no immediate danger and hence the police officer had no reason to fire." He also said, "It was only appropriate for the police officer to fire to stop the violence when a person was snatching the gun or when the gun was snatched."

President, this is an IQ question. Does anyone understand what I am saying? What is the right time for the police officer to fire? When the rioter just tapped on the handle of the gun, he might not be able to snatch the gun and hence the police officer could not fire. Then when could the police officer fire? The police could only fire during the scrambling for the gun or when the gun was snatched. President, do you understand this remark? Many political figures, posed as persons with legal authority, have poisoned young people of Hong Kong. Why is the rule of law in Hong Kong challenged and why has our social system collapsed? That is because the so-called legal professionals and legal authorities have incessantly used this kind of political jargon to fool the young people, making them believe that they are doing the right thing.

President, in the history of the western world, a few decades ago, there were countries which resembled the Hong Kong of today. The situation of political forces engaging in street politics, attacking the assemblies of their opponents and beating up their supporters, engaging in terrorism, and disrupting the mechanism of democratic operation had happened before. How is the democratic system disrupted? It is disrupted by eroding the rule of law and harming the democratic system step by step, just like what is happening now.

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The first line is street violence. At present, black-clad people in the streets are at the frontline. What are the characteristics of these black-clad people? They have their political objectives and action agendas. They are organized, have uniforms and identification marks. Of course, although what they wear are not exactly uniforms, they wear helmets, masks and black clothes, which have become the symbols of their teams that they can identify with. In the movement, they are mainly responsible for carrying out violent acts, including disrupting their rivals' democratic assemblies with violence and threatening the public. These are mainly young people and they are more apt to accept radical ideas. They do not identify with the moderates. They see their participation in the organizations as their personal campaign and they have found their roles in this movement, which satisfies their own sense of achievement. These had happened in the past, which are very similar to what are happening in Hong Kong right now. I do not dare say they are the same but certain signs are very similar.

However, there is one big difference point and what is it? The black-clad people are the pioneers of this so-called movement and they have their own self-development logic. It seems that no political power can control and manipulate them, not even the so-called "big boss" of the opposition camp. Hence, we can see from popular hits on the Internet that Mr HUI Chi-fung, who has always been formidable in this Council, kowtow to the leaders of the rioters at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. I have never seen such a subservient Mr HUI before. All these happen because no one can have control over the so-called valiant protesters. President, I can tell everyone that they are anti-democratic, threatening and seriously damaging the rule of law in Hong Kong. This is also the force that is threatening the election.

I very much hope that the SAR Government can make all-out effort to prevent the Election from being disrupted. The opposition always ask why we participate in this Election if it is so unfair as we claim. President, picking the lesser of two evils, it is better for me to participate in this not so fair election, having my hands tied in the ring, than to let the election be cancelled as a result of violence. Then it will influence the subsequent elections, and then the operation of our constitutional framework and even the outside world's confidence in Hong Kong. Hence, choosing the lesser of two evils, with our back against the wall, we will continue to run in this less than fair election.

President, I so submit.

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SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AND MAINLAND AFFAIRS (in Cantonese): President, first of all, I would like to thank Ms YUNG Hoi-yan for her motion on the 2019 District Council ("DC") Ordinary Election. At the meetings held yesterday and today, a total of 42 Members expressed their views on this subject. I have listened carefully to the speeches of Members and I deeply understand their opinions and concerns about the DC Election, the course of development from the nomination period, the election campaign to the present, and how the Election can be held in a fair, just and safe manner. However, all Members have clearly and positively indicated that the Election should be held on 24 November as scheduled.

President, this DC Election is unprecedented in several aspects. First, there is a record high of more than 4.13 million officially registered electors this year. Second, the number of elected seats in DCs has increased to 452, which is also a record high. Third, there are 1 090 validly nominated candidates this year, a record high as well. Fourth, there is more than one candidate in each constituency over the territory and this is also the first DC Ordinary Election in history in which no candidates are returned uncontested.

Making preparations for this DC Ordinary Election is the most challenging task over the years. In addition to the unprecedented situations that I have just mentioned, this DC Ordinary Election has gone through the social turmoil in the past few months. We have encountered enormous difficulties, challenges and risks during the period, and also have to face violence and escalation of violence. As mentioned by Members in their speeches, some candidates and their supporters have been attacked or intimidated during the election campaign, the offices of some Members have been repeatedly vandalized or set fire on, the publicity materials or banners for the election have been destroyed, and their personal safety was also threatened. Under such circumstances, people naturally have concerns about whether a fair election can still be held.

We have to understand that this DC Election allows more than 4 million electors to express their views through voting. Electors' right to vote is very important. The Government and the community certainly hope that electors will be able to vote in a peaceful and safe manner on the polling day. However, when we make preparations for the DC Election, we must also consider the security risks and whether electors, candidates, supporters and staff can safely play their respective roles. Therefore, we must fully consider and balance the two aspects, which is not an easy task. The stance of the Government is clear enough, we really hope that the Election can be held as scheduled. Hence, for a 2230 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 certain period of time in the past, different government departments and the Electoral Affairs Commission ("EAC") have vigorously carried out the preparation work and have also formulated different options.

Just now, I have mentioned the acts of violence and intimidation during the election campaign. I hereby state clearly that the Government strongly condemns these acts of violence and the community also does not accept such acts. Non-establishment Members have just warned the Government that it must ensure the holding of the Election as scheduled. However, may I ask them to be honest with themselves, it is precisely due to such acts of violence over the past few months and the connivance of some people that have resulted in the escalation of violence. The Hong Kong Police Force have to take enforcement action in accordance with the law, but they have encountered huge challenges and criticisms when taking the dispersion actions at places where petrol bombs were hurled. The relationship between the Police and the public has become very tense. None of us can accept violence and we should not condone acts of violence. So, if non-establishment Members want the Election to be held as scheduled, may I ask them to clearly state their positions to members of the public.

It is against the law to intimidate and attack candidates and their supporters or to vandalize publicity materials. Under the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance, a person who engages in such conduct commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $500,000 and to imprisonment for seven years. If there are such cases, the Police and the law enforcement agencies should be notified immediately and the relevant records should be kept. I know that the affected Members and their supporters have done so. The Independent Commission Against Corruption also provides a 24-hour hotline 2526 6366. The law enforcement agencies will follow up relevant cases seriously. Some Members have just remarked that some people instigate or encourage others online to confiscate the identity cards of the elderly. These illegal acts have been referred to the law enforcement agencies for follow-up actions.

Moreover, there is also an election petition mechanism for the DC Election. Of course, this mechanism can only be activated after the Election. According to the District Councils Ordinance, this mechanism allows any candidate or 10 electors in the district to present an election petition to the court questioning the result of an election if they find that the election result or process is generally unfair.

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As I mentioned earlier, we have to minimize the security risk on the polling day, thus we have carried out a series of preparation work. We have held several inter-departmental meetings and a Crisis Management Committee has been set up under the contingency mechanism for public elections to provide advice to EAC. Members of the Committee held a meeting yesterday and they will also monitor the election throughout the polling day. We have to ensure that more than 20 000 polling station staff from various districts can arrive at the polling stations on the polling day, so that the polling stations will open on time at 7:30 am. The polling hours will be from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm. Candidates, electioneering teams, electors and polling station staff must work or vote without being intimidated or scared. Moreover, the polling stations will not be maliciously disturbed or vandalized, thereby affecting the conduct of the Election. To this end, we have to formulate various measures. As I said earlier, we have made preparations at the polling stations such as extending the areas of no canvassing zones or no staying zones for better buffer effect.

On security, the Police will spare no effort to provide service. We have also invited the Civil Aid Service and security personnel of private security companies to perform security duties at the polling stations. To cope with all possible situations, rapid response teams of the Fire Services Department will handle fire incidents or other related matters. In addition, the Auxiliary Medical Service will involve with the contingency work. Different departments will fully cooperate to make the relevant preparations and take contingency measures on the polling day. Hence, it is not that only one Policy Bureau is involved, but various departments have made concerted efforts.

The third question is whether the Election can be held as scheduled. As I said just now, we have heard Members express their wish these two days that the Election should be held as scheduled. Yet, we must closely monitor the situation. I have mentioned earlier that if the Election is to be held on 24 November as scheduled, the polling station staff must be able to arrive at the polling stations on time, the traffic should not be obstructed and the facilities should not be vandalized. We have been closely monitoring the relevant situation these few days and we hope that the Election can be held as scheduled. Nonetheless, in addition to the Government's work, violence and disruptive acts in society must be stopped; otherwise, there are still risks or increasing risks that the Election may not be held as scheduled.

2232 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019

Some Members also asked if there is any mechanism should the Election be adjourned or postponed before or on the polling day. In fact, the District Councils Ordinance has clear provisions in this respect. For example, the following parties have the right to decide whether the election has to be postponed: the Presiding Officer in relation to individual polling stations, EAC in relation to specific constituencies and the Chief Executive in relation to the entire election in Hong Kong. Therefore, we will act under the relevant mechanism. If it is necessary to adjourn poll at one or several polling stations, and if incidents involving Hong Kong as a whole happen, the relevant poll or count will be adjourned. There is a mechanism to securely seal the ballot papers and deliver ballot papers under escort to places for safe custody, and there are relevant security arrangements and handling procedures.

Some Members asked how the six DC-related seats in the future Legislative Council election would be affected if the Election was postponed. I will not respond to hypothetical situations one by one but we will act according to the law.

President, we understand that the dissemination of information related to the election is very important. Therefore, we have stepped up our work in this area over a period of time in the past, especially these few days. We will make better use of social media to disseminate information more effectively and extensively.

Furthermore, we also notice that there have been a lot of rumours and misrepresentations during this period, trying to create confusion to achieve certain purposes. We will spare no effort to clarify these rumours. For example, some Members point out that there are appeals online to confiscate the identity cards of elderly people to prevent them from voting. I must seriously point out that under the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance, if the person, by a deception, obstructs or prevents another person from voting at the election, he is engaged in corrupt conduct and is liable on conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for seven years.

In addition, there are rumours questioning the impartiality of polling station staff. I would like to point out that all polling station staff are members of the Civil Service and they have to abide by a set of guidelines. These guidelines standardize the practical work of all Presiding Officers, with the aim of ensuring LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 2233 that the entire election is conducted in an open, honest and just manner. In assigning work, the authorities will avoid assigning staff to work at the polling stations in the districts where they are electors.

There are also rumours that the ballot papers were torn when they were issued. Regarding the issuing of ballot papers, the Registration and Electoral Office will arrange two staff to issue ballot papers, so as to reduce human errors and ensure that the election can be conducted in a honest and just manner. There are also rumours online about the design of ballot papers. We have clarified earlier that for every ballot paper issued on the polling day, there is an angled cut at the upper left corner on its front. This is to facilitate electors with visual impairments to insert their ballot papers into braille ballot paper templates correctly. Therefore, every ballot paper has an angle cut. It is not, as rumoured online, that polling station staff will deliberately tear the ballot papers.

We will promptly step up our efforts to clarify various rumours or false messages. Rumour has it that a lot of people will report loss of identity card and impersonators will then apply for ballot papers in the name of another person with a "memo of lost property". This situation definitely will not happen because electors cannot vote by only producing the "memo of lost property". In addition to the memo, an elector must also produce the original of his/her valid travel document showing his/her name and photography to collect the ballot paper.

There are also calls on the Internet to vote early in the morning. I would like to point out that if a large number of electors vote at the same time, they may have to queue up at individual polling stations. Therefore, I hope that electors will wait patiently and polling station staff will serve them as soon as possible. The polling hours will be from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm. Members of the public do not need to vote early in the morning or mainly at a certain period of time. Nevertheless, I would like to highlight one point, the counting of votes will only commence when polling at all polling stations of the same constituency has closed and the results will be announced after the count. Therefore, even if electors vote early in the morning, they have to wait for the conclusion of the whole polling process before counting of votes and announcement of result.

President, Hong Kong has always had a good election culture and we attach importance to having a fair, just, corruption-free and civilized election. In the past few months, acts of violence in society and many other incidents have 2234 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ― 21 November 2019 greatly affected such values. Regarding the forthcoming DC Election, I call upon all sectors of the community and different political parties, especially non-establishment political parties, to allow our election culture to manifest positively, if they want the Election to be held as scheduled. The Government's effort is not enough, every member of the public should contribute to creating a peaceful environment for the Election. Most important of all, Hong Kong must cherish this election culture and pass it on, so that electors can express their opinions through voting in a safe, peaceful and orderly environment.

President, I so submit.

NEXT MEETING

PRESIDENT (in Cantonese): I now adjourn the Council until 11:00 am on Wednesday, 27 November 2019.

Adjourned accordingly at 7:15 pm.