The Hong Kong Government is considering a law that would make it an offence to insult a member of the police force, according to Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam.
Ms Lam said the 2019 protests in Hong Kong, during which officers suffered abuse, made the law necessary.
She said legislation had been held back because some lawmakers wanted to make it broader, covering all Public Servants.
“I seriously think we need to study this topic, but we are still studying how big the scope should be,” Ms Lam said.
“It shouldn’t just be about the disciplined forces. So many food and environmental hygiene officers of ours have also faced insults on the front line,” she said.
“Our staff from the Lands Department have even been met with physical clashes.”
Ms Lam said that once the scope of the legislation had been decided the Government would speed up its implementation.
“The law will underscore the importance of self-discipline; people need to be more polite,” the Chief Executive said.
However, leading barrister, Albert Luk Wai-hung said the law was unnecessary as there were already enough protections for the police force.
“Public education should be considered as a solution instead of an additional law to suppress citizens,” Mr Luk said.
“In a developed society, legislation is not the only way to administer a city. Too many laws will make the city filled with apathy,” he said.
Hong Kong, 10 October 2021
