MR CHAN KIN-POR (in Cantonese): Deputy President, I support the National Flag and National Emblem (Amendment) Bill 2021 (“the Bill”). The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress endorsed the amendments to the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the National Flag (“National Flag Law”) and Law of the People’s Republic of China on the National Emblem (“National Emblem Law”) last year, so Hong Kong also needs to make corresponding amendments. The Government has put forward three main amendments this time, including making clear the requirements in respect of the use of the national flag and the national emblem, adding the prohibitions on certain uses of the national flag and the national emblem and clarifying the provisions relating to offences of such behaviour, and providing for the education and promotion of the national flag and national emblem.
I am particularly concerned about the education and publicity issue. The Bill stipulates that the Secretary for Education must include national flag and national emblem in primary education and in secondary education, so as to educate students on the history and spirit of the national flag and national emblem, on the regulation of displaying and using the national flag; and on the etiquette to be followed in a national flag raising ceremony. The Secretary for Education must also give directions to specified schools for matters relating to the daily display of the national flag and the weekly conduct of a national flag raising ceremony.
As the symbol and hallmark of our country, both the national flag and national emblem represent the dignity of our country and our nation, and should be respected by anyone. In fact, Hong Kong has enacted the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance since reunification, but there has been no regulation on the education on national flag and national emblem. Although schools might give a simple explanation on this topic, the content was very limited and superficial. As I recall, the “black-clad” rioters committed evil acts repeatedly by desecrating the national flag and national emblem during the “black-clad” riots. As a Chinese, it is heartbreaking to see such behaviour and to see the national flag and national emblem being insulted. Why did Hong Kong people commit such outrageous acts? I believe that it is attributable to the long-standing emphasis on “two systems” and the playing down of the “one country” principle under the influence of the opposition camp since reunification. When the Government tried to promote national education, it was attacked severely by the opposition camp immediately, and even a so-called anti-national education movement was triggered. As a result, schools rarely taught students anything about our country in the past two decades. Even if they did, they would not go too far. Young people did not have a sense of national identity at all and did not know what patriotism is. On the contrary, they have been misled for a long time by the reports from media that aimed at opposing China and disrupting Hong Kong. Under such subtle influence, some young people no longer knew they are Chinese and went so far as to commit acts which desecrate our country and national dignity.
Now that the “black-clad” riot has been put to a stop, Hong Kong can promote national education to teach young people the right sense of national identity. The inclusion of national flag and national emblem in primary education and secondary education, and the requirement for schools to raise and display national flag daily and to conduct a national flag raising ceremony weekly as stipulated in the Bill this time, can align with the national education in our country indeed. I hope that the Education Bureau can handle the work well and teach young people properly, so as to let them know they are Chinese and must respect the national flag and national emblem.
Furthermore, the Bill will also stipulate clearly that public desecrating acts in relation to the national flag and national emblem committed in both real life and on online platform would be an offence, and the level of penalty would remain unchanged. The Government explained that this amendment only seeks to better reflect the legislative purpose and intent, but not to expand the scope of desecrating acts. And such provisions are consistent with those in the National Anthem Ordinance. I support this arrangement. A lot of netizens like parodying on the Internet, thinking that they are just having fun and do not have to be responsible for their behaviour. Now that the Bill stipulates that online desecrating acts in relation to the national flag and national emblem is also an offence. It serves precisely as a reminder to all of us that we must not break the law. In fact, online platform has become part of our modern life. The Government must take into account the factor of online platform when it enacts laws in the future, or it will become out of tune with the times.
Thank you, Deputy President.