Scott Chiang
Commenting on Beijing’s decision to prevent Hong Kong lawmakers from taking office, New Macau Association president Scott Chiang said that the worrying development was another sign that “the breathing space for both SARs is becoming smaller and smaller.”
Voicing his personal opinion rather than speaking on behalf of the association, Chiang expressed concern with the decision, claiming that “Beijing does not play according to the rules of the game.”
Scholar and current affairs commentator Larry So told the Times he was “not one bit surprised” about the decision.
“Once the interpretation [from Beijing] is requested, it is common understanding that the Central Government will take this sort of action,” he said.
When asked whether he found the conduct of the lawmakers disrespectful, So replied: “This incident is very disrespectful. The way that they [the lawmakers] have behaved is beyond our expectations and beyond respect… especially for the older generation.”
“You should be serious if you are running for the legislature […] I don’t approve of this behavior,” added the scholar.
Larry So
According to Article 102 in Macau’s Basic Law, “the Chief Executive, principal Officials, President of the Court of Final Appeal and Procurator-General of the Macao Special Administrative Region must swear allegiance to the People’s Republic of China.” Other officials – such as legislators – are required by Article 101 to take an oath of allegiance to the MSAR.
Both Scott Chiang and Larry So see the possibility of copycat legislators emerging in Macau during next year’s legislative elections as very slim. Chiang said it would be unlikely as “not a lot of people in Macau are opposed to Beijing.”
So agreed with this sentiment, noting that although Beijing will be watching the election closely, the Central Government is generally more comfortable with the state of Macau politics.
“In Macau we claim to have more ‘harmony’, but in Hong Kong they have forgotten the word completely,” said So.
Nevertheless, he added, “Beijing is sending a message to Macau with their actions in Hong Kong.”
“We could have some sort of copycat [legislative candidates] next year, but I am quite sure that they will not be elected.” [see page 10-11]
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