Hundreds of protestors took to the streets on Saturday, urging the Chief Executive to repeal appointed lawmaker Fong Chi Keong from the Legislative Assembly (AL). His statements on domestic violence have caused a public outcry.
Under banners reading “Love me, don’t beat me” and “Abolish appointed lawmakers,” the protestors demanded political reform that favors the abolition of the CE-appointed lawmaker seats in the AL.
“We urge for an open apology from Fong Chi Keong, and for the initialization of the political reform process by [CE] Chui Sai On to repeal the CE-appointed AL seats that don’t represent the public opinion at all,” stated the civic group Macau Conscience, which led the protest.
Having been known for making anomalous remarks on public affairs at the AL, the lawmaker recently shocked the public with statements backing domestic violence, such as, “The wife wouldn’t have been beaten if she hadn’t talked back,” and “He wouldn’t beat you if he doesn’t love you.”
“His understanding of gender equality and protection of family harmony is very little,” stressed Scott Chiang, a group member. “We hope the AL can have better-qualified lawmakers and we should have ways to kick out those who are not qualified. But currently our only appeal is that the CE won’t appoint him as a lawmaker again,” he said.
According to the organizers, the rally started with nearly 400 participants at Tap Seac Square, and gathered a peak number of 850 protestors when delivering a petition to Fong’s office.
In response to the protestors’ appeal, Chui Sai On stressed yesterday that the MSAR government should “respect and strictly abide by the Basic Law-stipulated regime that forms the AL through direct election, indirect election and CE’s appointment.”
“We are willing to listen to the public and media’s opinions, but I need to reiterate one thing: changes to [Macau’s] political system – no matter the initiation or decision-making – are in the hands of the Central Government,” he said.
Talking as if Fong’s provocative statement has harmed the government’s prestige, Chui responded, “The appointed lawmakers are, like other lawmakers, serving at the AL. Lawmakers’ [right to] expressing their opinions at the AL is protected and we highly respect that. Therefore, from my point of view, [Fong’s statements] didn’t affect my governance or my administrative team.” BY
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