Top National People’s Congress body unites on need for interpretation on Hong Kong oaths

Basic Law Committee member Maria Tam says ruling could set out “format and conduct” for lawmakers in taking their oaths and criteria for Legco disqualification

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Basic Law Committee vice-chairwoman Elsie Leung insists Beijing’s intervention is necessary. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Published: 11:45am, 5 Nov 2016Updated: 10:59am, 30 Nov 2016

Beijing’s top legislators have “unanimously agreed” on an intervention into Hong Kong’s oath-taking controversy to safeguard the city’s stability, it was announced by state TV on Saturday night, after it emerged they may set out the “format and conduct” for lawmakers to take their oaths and criteria for disqualification.

The Xinhua news agency also revealed that the National People’s Congress Standing Committee ruling would “point out the direction in which problems arising from the Legislative Council election” should be handled, in an apparent reference to a controversial confirmation form that was introduced shortly before nominations started to screen out pro-independence activists.

Basic Law Committee vice-chairwoman Elsie Leung Oi-sie said the intervention was “necessary” because Beijing had to safeguard national sovereignty and unity and be “fair” to Tibet and Xinjiang when their legislators were forbidden from spreading separatist ideas.

“Pro-independence ideas have been around in Hong Kong for some time and people are still free to talk about it,” she said. “But if Hong Kong lawmakers can spread independence thoughts in the Legislative Council, does this mean deputies to the Xinjiang People’s Congress can do that too? ... How can Beijing explain to Xinjiang and Tibet deputies?”

The controversy was sparked by the actions of Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching. Photo: David Wong

Leung spoke as the Standing Committee finished scrutinising a draft interpretation of Article 104 of the Basic Law, which relates to the oaths taken by lawmakers. Controversy erupted after two localists used derogatory language about China when they took their oaths. A finalised interpretation is set to be endorsed by the body on Monday.