Muslim
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, has launched a sharp critique against the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA), the city’s largest press group, labeling its upcoming executive committee elections as a "black-box operation" and questioning the organization’s credibility. The remarks, made on Friday, come as the HKJA prepares for its Annual General Meeting (AGM) where new leadership will be elected, a process that has drawn scrutiny from the government.
Tang specifically highlighted the HKJA’s decision not to publicize its list of candidates standing for election. According to reports cited by Tang, all candidates are allegedly from foreign media outlets, described as "so-called free media," or online platforms, with "not a single person from a mainstream Hong Kong outlet." This composition, Tang argued, raises questions about the association’s claim to represent Hong Kong journalists. "How can it be called the [Hong Kong] Journalists Association?" he questioned in Cantonese.
The Security Chief further intensified his criticism by pointing to the HKJA’s stated intention to withhold the list of elected officials from public view. "Not only is the HKJA hiding its candidate list, it also will not publicise its list of candidates after they are elected. With black-box operations like this, how can there be any credibility at all?" Tang asserted. This marks the second consecutive year the HKJA has opted not to disclose its candidate roster, a decision attributed by the association to a climate of harassment.
Background: A Troubled Landscape for Hong Kong Journalism
The HKJA, founded in 1968, has historically been a significant voice for journalists in Hong Kong. However, in recent years, particularly following the 2019 pro-democracy protests, the organization has found itself increasingly at odds with the Hong Kong government. Authorities have accused the HKJA of siding with protesters and of issuing press passes to individuals deemed "fake journalists," allegations the union has consistently denied.
This ongoing tension has created a challenging environment for press freedom in Hong Kong. Several independent media outlets have ceased operations or significantly scaled back their reporting in the wake of the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Journalists have faced arrests, prosecutions, and increased scrutiny, leading many to self-censor or leave the profession. The HKJA has been a vocal advocate for press freedom and has documented instances of government pressure and intimidation against its members.
The HKJA’s Response and Rationale
In response to Tang’s accusations, Selina Cheng, chair of the HKJA, stated that the election process is being conducted in accordance with the law and the union’s constitution. She explained that all election information has been disseminated to the association’s members, but not to the public. This decision, Cheng clarified via WhatsApp, is a direct consequence of "intense harassment campaigns against our board in recent years, including during this election."
Cheng further elaborated that Hong Kong’s union law permits the inclusion of freelance, temporary, or seasonal workers, a provision the HKJA adheres to. She also noted that while unions are required to report officer details to the government’s Registrar of Trade Unions, they are not legally obligated to make these lists publicly available. The HKJA has consistently submitted the required information to the authorities.
Cheng emphasized that she was speaking in a personal capacity, as the union was operating under an interim board and was thus unable to issue an official statement. She also pointed out that as Hong Kong aims to strengthen its role as a "superconnector" between China and the world, the HKJA welcomes participation from journalists based both within Hong Kong and abroad, a move facilitated by recent amendments to the city’s union laws.
A Pattern of Harassment and Government Scrutiny
The HKJA’s decision to withhold candidate and election results from public view is not unprecedented. Last year, the association also did not publicize the list of candidates or the elected officials. This year’s elections, originally scheduled for June, were postponed due to a shortage of candidates, prompting an appeal from the HKJA to its members to step forward.
The current situation echoes broader concerns about the erosion of press freedom and freedom of association in Hong Kong. In 2024, the HKJA reported that some elected members had their personal details published online, and several received threatening letters and emails at their homes and workplaces. This was described by the press group as a "systematic and organised attack."
When questioned about these incidents during a press briefing in September 2024, Chief Executive John Lee sidestepped a direct condemnation of the alleged attacks. He stated only that individuals facing difficulties could file a police report, a response that drew criticism for its perceived lack of support for the affected journalists and its failure to explicitly denounce the intimidation tactics.
Implications for Press Freedom and Association
Tang’s strong remarks and the government’s heightened scrutiny of the HKJA reflect a broader trend of increased governmental oversight and pressure on civil society organizations in Hong Kong. The accusations of a "black-box operation" and the questioning of the HKJA’s legitimacy appear to be part of a strategy to delegitimize independent voices and potentially pave the way for further regulatory action.
The HKJA’s reliance on withholding information from the public, while framed as a protective measure against harassment, also raises questions about transparency. However, the association’s leadership maintains that its internal processes are compliant with legal requirements and that the decision is driven by a genuine fear for the safety of its board members.
The underlying issue remains the increasingly constricted space for independent journalism and freedom of association in Hong Kong. The government’s focus on the HKJA’s election procedures, rather than addressing the alleged harassment faced by journalists, suggests a prioritization of control over the protection of fundamental rights. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by media professionals in the city as they navigate an evolving political and legal landscape. The future of press freedom in Hong Kong hinges on the ability of organizations like the HKJA to operate without undue pressure and for the authorities to uphold the principles of open discourse and association.
Dwi Wanna
