Four pro-democracy legislators have been ousted with immediate effect.
They include three from the Civic Party: Dennis Kwok, Alvin Yeung and Kwok Ka-ki. As well as Kenneth Leung of the accountancy functional constituency.
Their removal follows a decision by Beijing which gives the SAR government power to disqualify lawmakers without going through the courts.
Scroll down for the full script.
(Aired on ViuTVSix on 11 November 2020.)
Full Script:
The decision by the National People's Congress Standing Committee further shrank the pro-democracy camp in the city's legislature.
Delegates in Beijing today passed a resolution they see as "necessary and appropriate."
It's one that expels Hong Kong lawmakers if they:
have supported or promoted Hong Kong independence, refused to recognise China's sovereignty over the SAR, sought foreign powers to interfere in Hong Kong's affairs, or other acts that endanger national security.
In short, legislators must support the Basic Law and be loyal to the SAR.
Within ten minutes of Beijing revealing its decision, the SAR issued a press release expelling four opposition lawmakers for "endangering security:"
Alvin Yeung, Dennis Kwok, Kwok Ka-ki and Kenneth Leung.
All were barred from running in the Legislative Council Election that was supposed to take place in September but they had been allowed to stay for an extended term.
(Soundbite, DENNIS KWOK, Disqualified lawmaker)
"If observing due process, protecting the systems and functions and fighting for democracy and human rights leads to the consequence of being disqualified, it would be my honour, and I say the same today."
(Soundbite, KENNETH LEUNG, Disqualified lawmaker)
"We are all professional people giving up our time and resources because we want to fight for justice and the core values of Hong Kong.
This is a sad day, but it is also a glorious day for us all."
State media revealed it was the Chief Executive who asked Beijing to clarify the four's eligibility to serve.
(Soundbite, CARRIE LAM, Chief Executive)
"We could not allow members of the Legislative Council who have been judged, in accordance to the law, that they could not fulfil the requirements and the prerequisites for serving on the Legislative Council to continue to operate in the Legislative Council. That was the purpose of seeking a decision from the NPCSC."
Lam stressed, the SAR government did not have the authority to expel the lawmakers - only Beijing had the power, and the SAR was simply announcing the news.
The four ousted remained defiant in their fight for democracy.
With the four ousted, the pro-democracy camp now has only 15 members left in the 70-seat legislature.
(Soundbite, ALVIN YEUNG, Disqualified lawmaker)
"The road ahead will be bumpy, difficult and challenging. But I am in full faith of Hong Kong and all Hongkongers."
(Soundbite, KWOK KA-KI Disqualified lawmaker)
"I would go along with all the people in Hong Kong (to) continue to fight for the core values of Hong Kong."
During the 2016 to 2020 Legco term, six localist or pro-democracy lawmakers were disqualified following court decisions.
- ENDS -