Hong Kong Observers

The Hong Kong Observers was a middle class-based pressure group in Hong Kong during the 1970s to 80s. It was formed by a group of young Chinese professionals who were educated overseas and second-generation British expatriates discussing current issues in September 1975.[1][2]

On 12 December, 1980, an article written by Duncan Campbell in the New Statesman revealed a secret committee called the Standing Committee on Pressure Groups (SCOPG) was set up by the Hong Kong government to infiltrate pressure groups and monitor their activities. The greatest emphasis was placed on the Hong Kong Observers. Due to political pressure the committee ceased to exist in 1983.

The group's main concern in 1980s was the Sino-British negotiation over the sovereignty of Hong Kong. They called for Hong Kong people to express their views and send a delegation to Beijing to argue for longer transitional period, some British presence after 1997 and Hong Kong people's participation in drafting the future Hong Kong Basic Law.

Notable members of the group included Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.[3] Christine Loh, the chair of the group, and Anna Wu were both picked up by the then new Governor Chris Patten as the appointed member of the Legislative Council. Wu became a non-official member in the Executive Council and Loh was appointed as undersecretary for Environment Bureau by Leung Chun-ying in 2012.

References

  1. ↑ Scott, Ian. Political Change and the Crisis of Legitimacy in Hong Kong. University of Hawaii Press. p. 209.
  2. ↑ Hsu, Berry Fong-Chung (1992). The Common Law System in Chinese Context: Hong Kong in Transition. M.E. Sharpe. p. 215.
  3. ↑ Brooks, Ann (2006). Gendered Work in Asian Cities: The New Economy And Changing Labour Markets. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. p. 115.
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