Advertisement
Hong Kong politics
Hong KongPolitics

Hong Kong’s John Lee defends removal of public library books, highlights need to ‘serve interest’ of society and stay lawful

  • Chief executive does not address whether freedom of access to information would be undermined if censorship standards not transparent
  • Post check finds non-political titles by opposition figures also no longer available

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
50
Hong Kong has 71 public libraries run by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Photo: May Tse
Natalie Wong

Hong Kong’s leader on Tuesday defended the removal of more public library books over political sensitivities, saying material circulated had to “serve the interest” of society without breaching the law.

Advertisement
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, while insisting such publications were still available in private bookshops, did not address whether the city’s freedom of access to information would be undermined if censorship standards were not transparent, as suggested by critics.
Hong Kong’s public library operator has stepped up efforts to root out works contrary to national security as demanded by government auditors, with the latest titles removed including those related to the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, the city’s political system, and titles on other subjects by opposition figures.

“These books are accessible by people in private bookshops. If they want to buy, then they can buy,” Lee on Tuesday told the press before his weekly meeting with key decision-making body the Executive Council.

“The principles we use, which I support, are to ensure that there is no breach of any laws in Hong Kong, including, of course, copyrights, etc; and also, if they spread any kinds of messages that are not in the interests of Hong Kong.”

He did not address how certain non-political titles could be linked to national security threats but offered his “strong confidence” in the professionalism of colleagues at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in ensuring public circulation “served the interest” of the city.

Advertisement

Education chief Christine Choi Yuk-lin weighed in on Tuesday during an official visit to Beijing. She said that school libraries had been “updating” the selection of books in line with educational needs.

When asked if educational institutions had to take down the same titles pulled from public library shelves, she said authorities believed in teachers’ judgment to ensure suitable books were available to pupils.

Advertisement