By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 13: The swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected legislators of the Hong Kong Parliament yesterday turned chaotic after pro democracy MP’s staged protest during the official oath taking proceedings, some calling for “greater autonomy” under China and some even altering the wordings of the oath. The MPs carried a banner that reads “Hong Kong is not China”. The induction ceremony of the legislative council was marred with what observers described being innovative and sending a clear message to Beijing.
Pro-democracy Lawmaker Yau Wai-ching, 25, spread the banner before the oath administrator, “I do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Hong Kong nation,” even using ‘Shina’ for China(a derogatory term for China coined by the Japanese).
Another newly elected MP Sixtus Leung, and the head of the political party Youngspiration called for indisputable suffrage. He added that there is logic in differentiating Hong Kong and China as a Country.
Umbrella Movement activist Nathan Law who is also the youngest lawmaker, quoted Gandhi before making his oath. He said.”You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind,”
Tibetan MP Lhagyari Namgyal Dolkar, who is the president of the GuChuSum former political prisoner’s movement, told Phayul, “I don’t believe it’s an “immature” act like it has been criticized by many, rather the maturity and the level of responsibility the current generation of youth are taking against autocracy is commendable. The event must have sent a powerful message to the People’s Republic of China.”
Dolker also mentioned that there is a lot that young Tibetans can learn from the incident. “I hope every young Tibetan could see what’s happening in Hongkong and get the courage to speak against the tyranny of China,” the MP added.
The apparent protests against Beijing by “localist” and new generation of law makers, calling for independence and self determination, on an official platform has captured global attention and awe. Last month on Sept. 4, record number of 2.2 million voters turned out and elected a number of pro-democracy legislators. Earlier in 2014, thousands of students and common Hong Kongers stalled the city for over two months, calling for electoral and pro democratic reforms.
