Lee Williamson, FCC’s new chairman, said any statement made by the FCC must also be approved by 75 percent of the board members before public issuance.
Williamson added that the new guideline would be open for all club members to view, but photographing or sharing the document would be prohibited.
Williamson also mentioned that FCC had hired lawyers to advise on the Hong Kong National Security Law.
He added the new system does not mean a decrease in the number of announcements made or procedure delays.
Williamson said since FCC is not a news agency, there is no rush or deadline to meet. Therefore, FCC will ensure statements are only published after all facts have been checked.
In addition to statement release, FCC will provide training and work with the Hong Kong Journalist Association and other international foreign press associations.
Later, FCC will release an investigation report on members’ press freedom status.
When asked whether the FCC would issue a statement if a reporter were arrested under the Hong Kong National Security Law, Williamson said he would not comment on hypothetical questions, saying only that the FCC would speak out regardless of what the reporter did, as long as it was assessed that the reporter’s journalism was being hampered. The FCC’s voice could make a difference.
Human Rights Awards Scrapped
In April 2022, FCC announced the suspension of the Human Rights Press Awards amid the pressure of National Security Law and later said that the School of Journalism of the University of Arizona would take over hosting the award.Earlier this year, the FCC accepted the national security clause in the contract for the renewal of the Hong Kong government’s lease. It has since been less vocal about press freedom in Hong Kong and held several events related to China’s economic development.
On May 27, FCC screened the Chinese documentary “Waking the Sleeping Grape” and a Chinese red wine-tasting event.
The topic of the evening was whether China would become a “super country” or an “empire” of wine production, making the “Chinese winery dream” come true.
The FCC event invited pro-CCP guests (CY) Leung Chun-ying, former Hong Kong Chief Executive and Vice Chairperson of the CCP top advisory body, and Raymond Yip, former Trade Development Council Vice President.
On its website, FCC said it was “delighted” about their attendance.
Before that, FCC’s activities and speakers were more diversified and critical.
For instance, FCC was often critical of issues in China, such as internet surveillance, human rights, and labor rights. FCC also invited government officials to attend these events. Hong Kong National Party convener Chan Ho-tin, Han Donfang, founder of China Labour Bulletin, and former Tiananmen protest student leader, Wu'erkaixi, were among its keynote speakers.
In 2018, Leung, who was still Chief Executive then, along with pro-CCP media Ta Kung Pao, Wei Po, and other pro-Beijing camps, went after FCC for its invitation of former Hong Kong National Party’s convener Chan Ho-tin to speak at its event. Leung and other state followers accused the FCC of “spreading ideas of Hong Kong independence.” They also demanded the government re-examine FCC’s rental lease.
In response, several media groups, plus FCC and the Hong Kong Journalist Association, urged Leung to stop coercing the FCC.
Once critical of FCC, Leung has now become a VIP at FCC’s events. This has drawn dissatisfaction from journalists and former FCC executive committee members.
Seasoned journalist and former writer of Stand News, Allan Au, described the event as “a true disgrace to the craft of journalism.”
In a post on the FCC’s social media platforms, veteran hedge fund manager Edward Chin, who had served on the FCC’s Freedom of the Press Committee for five years, said he was “incredulous” at the FCC’s change of face.
