Security chief attacks HKJA election transparency
HKFP · 1 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong’s security chief Chris Tang has publicly challenged the credibility of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, saying its executive committee election lacks transparency before Saturday’s AGM. Tang accused the group of withholding its candidate list and described the process as a "black-box operation," while also arguing that reported candidates were not from mainstream local outlets . HKJA chair Selina Cheng rejected the criticism, saying election arrangements comply with the law and the union’s constitution, and that information had been provided to members but not released publicly because of intense harassment campaigns . She added that the union accepts a broad range of journalists, including freelancers and those based abroad, in line with Hong Kong’s union law .
Key Points
- Speaking on Friday, Security Secretary Chris Tang said HKJA had not publicised candidates for Saturday’s executive committee election at its AGM .
- Tang said reports indicated all candidates came from foreign media, "so-called free media," or online outlets, with none from mainstream Hong Kong organisations .
- He questioned whether the body could still be called the Hong Kong Journalists Association, saying secrecy before and after voting damaged credibility .
- Selina Cheng said all election information had been made available to members, but not the public, because board members faced years of harassment .
- Cheng said unions cannot reject freelance, temporary or seasonal workers, and that amended Hong Kong union law also allows overseas-based members .
Why It Matters
The dispute highlights continuing tensions between Hong Kong authorities and one of the city’s best-known press groups over representation, transparency and legitimacy. It also shows how concerns about harassment and legal compliance are shaping the way civil society organisations, including media unions, conduct internal elections in Hong Kong .