Some members of public broadcaster, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) are reportedly resisting demands by the Civil Service Bureau that they sign an oath of loyalty to the Chinese Special Administrative Region.
The pledge, which the Bureau says must be signed by all Public Servants who want to keep their jobs, states employees must uphold the Basic Law, bear allegiance, be dedicated to their duties and be responsible to the Special Administrative Region.
A spokesperson for RTHK employers said the oath-taking was in conflict with the duties of a public broadcaster and that it could potentially be a legal tool to criminalise Public Servants expressing criticisms against current policies.
According to local reports, conduct that does not uphold the Basic Law includes advocating for Hong Kong’s independence; refusing to recognise China’s sovereignty over Hong Kong; soliciting intervention by external forces; and activities that endanger national security.
The spokesperson admitted RTHK was in a dilemma because of the undefined interpretation of the law, with the oath raising questions over the future of RTHK’s editorial independence.
“As members of the press, it will be hard to avoid reporting on misconduct and mishaps of the administration; even if we are just relaying messages, or relaying opinions of people’s criticism of the administration, it could be a problem,” the spokesperson said.
“We are now in a difficult position, but RTHK would still strive to serve the public under the professional standards of journalism,” they said.
However, several RTHK staff members, who chose to be anonymous, admitted that because of the pandemic, most people would sign the declaration.
“My guess is 80 per cent will sign, because of financial reasons,” one said, while another employee indicated there were “two people” who would not be signing the oath.
RTHK has already suspended its long-running politically satirical television show, Headliner, after it received a Government reprimand for insulting police officers.
Last year, the Government criticised a reporter for going against the One China policy following an interview with a World Health Organisation (WHO) official during which the official was asked whether the WHO would consider readmitting Taiwan to membership.
In November, freelance producer, Bao Choy was arrested for allegedly violating regulations while using a Government database to conduct research for a documentary.
Hong Kong, 19 February 2021
