On July 14, MLI hosted a fascinating presentation by Hong Kong-based publisher Andrew Work, titled “Can fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong survive Chinese rule?”
Work recounted the recent history of tension over basic rights in Hong Kong since Chinese rule began in 1997. While for a long time many basic rights and freedoms were healthy in Hong Kong, including freedom of assembly, independence of the judiciary, and freedom of speech, “lately it’s been different”, Work says. While there had been sporadic attacks on members of the media in the past, including with cleavers and machetes, they were few and far between.
Freedom of speech is now a serious concern for many in Hong Kong after a slew of incidents of kidnappings and renditions to China, as detailed by Work in the presentation. “They don’t want to just sow fear, they want to sow fear and confusion”, says Work of the Communist regime in China.
“If you’re reaching the masses then that’s a problem”, he says of media outlets in Hong Kong.
To listen to the entire talk click here.
Andrew Work is the Publisher and Editor-in- Chief of Harbour Times, the flagship of New Work Media. NWM provides intel on Hong Kong government, policy, politics, and diplomacy. He is also a Co-Founder and Director of The Lion Rock Institute, Hong Kong’s first economic think tank. He was the Executive Director of The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, instrumental in growing membership and advancing business policy objectives. He has been active in politics and policy work in Canada and Hong Kong at the local and national level including policy development, campaigning and stakeholder and community relations. He is a graduate of McGill University (B.Sc.) and the University of Victoria (MBA).
