Hong Kong’s legal system needs reform to stay vibrant

When Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered his third policy address, he said that “reform is a continuous process”. The address covered many areas, some law-related; he pointed to new laws and indicated legal priorities.

With the enactment in March of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the city’s obligations in this regard to the rest of the country were finally discharged. Although Hong Kong is no longer China’s Achilles’ heel when it comes to national security, that is not the end of the story. The 2019 social disturbances arose in part because many were ignorant of their country’s past and unaware of their civic responsibilities.

The Education Bureau, therefore, must raise awareness of Chinese history in schools, and enhance patriotic education. The newly opened Chinese Culture Promotion Office must prove its worth and promote a sense of national identity. Every encouragement should be given to public and private museums, which provide invaluable insights into the country’s development and bring the past to life.