Hong Kong Chief Executive Candidates Sign the Pledge to Uphold Press Freedom

  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

Twelve news organisations appeal to CE Candidates for online media's rights on the Election Day
記協譴責政府新聞處一再拒絕網媒採訪 (Chinese Only)