National Anthem Law to have a ‘local adaptation’

Sonia Chan

The National People’s Congress (NPC) bill which was recently approved by the Standing Committee had two aims; to change the penalties for disrespectful actions related to National Symbols (Including the National Anthem of PRC) and to extend the application of those rules to both Special Administrative Regions (Macau and Hong Kong). Secretary for Administration and Justice, Sonia Chan expressed her belief that it was the first step towards a “local adaptation” of penalties for wrongdoers. The Secretary made this comment on the sidelines of yesterday’s inauguration ceremony of the five public prosecutors who joined the Public Prosecutions Office.

“We are going to take into consideration our own legislative system to decide on the needed penalties,” said Chan, adding, “we have to do a local adaptation [of the National Law] after an analysis and see what is needed.”

Chan added that in order to materialize the implementation of such regulations, “an order is not enough,” noting that, “we need to follow the legislative process first.” She added that references for the upcoming regulation will be taken from the “laws on the flag and national symbols.”
Although the Secretary could not indicate how long it would take for such bill to reach the Macau Legislative Assembly or even comment on if there was any “matter of urgency” to the bill, she noted that it should not find any “major difficulty [in being approved].” The expectation of the bill’s easy passage was based on the “[local] legislative framework.”

Questioned on the need to implement such a law in the Macau SAR where events like the ones occurring in Hong Kong, especially those during sports events where crowds boo China’s National Anthem, do not occur, Chan replied that there is still a need for prevention.