In an election forum held by The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) today (Friday), the three attending chief executive candidates were urged to sign a pledge to uphold press freedom.
The pledge is as follows:
1. I shall do my best to uphold press freedom.
2. Pledge not to introduce Basic Law Article 23 legislation in Hong Kong before the public reaches a consensus.
3. I shall introduce an access to information law within my term of service.
4. I shall introduce an archive law within my term of service.
5. I shall lift the ban on online media for access to government press events and facilities as soon as possible.
The incumbent Chief Executive, Mr. Leung Chun-ying, who received the pledge at a similar election forum organized by HKJA five years ago, promised to do his best to uphold press freedom and to strive for a more open society. He also pledged not to introduce Basic Law Article 23 legislation in Hong Kong before the public reaches a consensus.
However, during his term of office Mr. Leung has not delivered his promises.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA)
March 10, 2017