Jason Chao
Macau intends to amend its electoral law in response to the oath-taking controversy triggered by Hong Kong legislators, Yau Wai-ching and Sixtus Leung, which involved Beijing’s intervention preventing them from taking office.
The Legislative Assembly Second Standing Committee yesterday proposed that only those who state their loyalty to the MSAR and “never acted against the Basic Law” may be elected lawmakers.
The proposal states that the candidates must sign a statement prior to the election, pledging allegiance to the MSAR.
Reacting to this change, activist Jason Chao said that he was concerned about the possible consequences of the amendment: “We know there was nothing illegal in organizing the civil referendum [regarding the Chief Executive 2014 election]. But authorities stated repeatedly that it violated the Basic Law. It only takes an interpretation. This shows how abuses of power can be committed. On the grounds of having organized the referendum, any member of our organization could be disqualified,” he told Radio Macau.
Candidates who are disqualified have recourse through the Court of Final Appeal (TUI), according to the proposal.
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