Dubbed as a “pseudo-issue,” “non-issue,” the Government is now taking seriously the issue of calls for Hong Kong independence after the mainland authorities and local loyalists stepped up attack against what some branded as separatism.
Justice minister Rimsky Yuen Kwok-keung revealed on Saturday he has asked law enforcement agencies to conduct investigations into the activities of pro-independence groups in four aspects. Specifically, he wants advice on whether those groups have violated companies ordinance, societies ordinance, criminal and other related criminal ordinances.
“Advocating for independence of Hong Kong is totally contrary to the Basic Law and also contrary to the legal status of Hong Kong,” he said, adding the government would handle the matter seriously.
Yuen hardened his stance on pro-independence activities on the same day the official People’s Daily’s overseas edition urged the government not to tolerate pro-independence advocacy in a column.
