Letter from a Practitioner to Hong Kong officials concerning Article 23

Security Bureau
6th Floor, East Wing
Central Government Offices
Lower Albert Road
Central, Hong Kong

Dear Sir or Madam

My name is Thomas and I am 19 years old. I am in my last year of high school, studying subjects which focus on business and economics.

I have been in Hong Kong several times before. And between August 1999 and June 2000, I was an exchange student in Hong Kong, taking part in the “AFS intercultural exchange program”. I have made many friends in Hong Kong and learned a lot about the lifestyle and culture. I really love Hong Kong and I am longing for my next visit to this wonderful and exciting city.

I write this letter to you because I am also very concerned about the freedom and future of the H.K people. I know that the Hong Kong government plans to implement an ”anti subversion law” called ”article 23”. I wish to share my opinion with you on this issue.

Since 1998, I have practised a wonderful cultivation method for body and mind called Falun Gong. Practicing Falun Gong has greatly benefited me; both health-wise and morally. My whole body has become very healthy and I feel very energetic since beginning to practise. Through Falun Gong, I learnt how to be a good person and value virtue by applying the principles of Truth-Compassion-Forbearance in my daily life. This has made me to become a more friendly and unselfish person and helped me to study hard in school.

I think you know that Falun Gong practitioners in China are very seriously persecuted simply because they appeal peacefully to the Chinese government to have the right and freedom to practice in an open and dignified manner. I am very worried that ”article 23” will be used by the Chinese government to persecute these good and peaceful people. I absolutely do not want to see, nor accept, such inhuman persecution in Hong Kong. This is unacceptable in a modern and civilized society.

Moreover I am very worried that ”article 23” will restrict the freedom and rights of the Hong Kong people. Hong Kong is a very special city with a lot of highly educated and capable people. I don’t want to see these people loose their freedom and basic rights.

Please think about the consequences of “article 23”. Think about it with a righteous heart for the Hong Kong people and for the future and image of Hong Kong.

Best regards and wishes

From Thomas