Antony Leung: no to independence

HONG KONG’S independence goes against its history and reality, former Financial Secretary (財政司司長) Antony Leung Kam-chung (梁錦松) said.

At a speech at City University’s (城市大學) employers’ luncheon, Leung said, “I am absolutely and completely against the false proposition of independence for Hong Kong, as it is totally at odds with the history and reality of Hong Kong.”

While pro-independents urge separation from the mainland, Leung instead called for local residents to try to interact and understand the mindset, mores and culture of their compatriots across the border.

“I, for one, am convinced that at the end of the day the gap between us and the mainlanders, to the extent that one exists, can and will be bridged.”

After his speech last Tuesday, Leung was asked if he would support local legislation against Hong Kong independence, but he declined to comment.

Last Wednesday, Chief Executive (行政長官) Leung Chun-ying (梁振英) said the government has no plans to legislate against pro-independence actions.

Antony Leung says he favours a gradual and orderly approach in the political development, with balanced participation across society.

Meanwhile, Legislative Council (立法會) President Jasper Tsang Yok-sing (曾鈺成) said many Hongkongers would be against the notion of independence.

But Tsang said there is no urgent need to legislate an anti-independence law.

(The Standard, 10 April 2015)