Hong Kong Media Overseas (HKMO) supports the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), which submitted a memorandum to the government expressing their view on the Basic Law Article 23 consultation. The HKJA emphasizes that when the government legislates, it should avoid inadvertently ensnaring journalists in legal traps during normal interviews, reporting, or commentary.
This month, the HKJA collected opinions from its members and journalists through a questionnaire, receiving responses from 105 individuals, all of whom believe that the 23 proposed legislations will negatively impact press freedom. HKMO acknowledges the concerns raised by the HKJA and other journalists regarding legislation, urging the government to pay attention to relevant opinions and revise the consultation documents.
In response to criticism from the Security Bureau and the Hong Kong Federation of Journalists (HKFJ), who claim that the HKJA lacks representativeness among Hong Kong journalists, HKMO deeply regrets these inaccurate remarks. It is essential to note that the HKJA was established in 1968 as a trade union, making it the longest-standing organization of its kind in Hong Kong. Moreover, on an international level, the HKJA is affiliated with the Belgium- based International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the largest global union federation representing journalists. The IFJ encompasses over 600,000 media workers from 187 organizations across 146 countries. Notably, the IFJ holds associate membership with UNESCO and has represented journalists at the United Nations since 1953.
Email: info@aohkmp.org.uk