Hong Kong pollster flees city, alarmed at collapse of free speech
On Sunday, Hong Kong psephologist Chung Kim-wah fled the city for the UK due to threats from “powerful forces” and “daily government provocations”.
The deputy executive director of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (Pori) said he had no choice but to ‘live abroad for a while’ after taking several factors into account.
Mr. Chung expressed concern about the erosion of freedom of expression in the city following the implementation of the draconian national security law.
The Chinese communist government has been accused of using this sweeping law to criminalize free speech and stifle dissent.
“In present-day Hong Kong, there is no place for sincere words, only lies…Hong Kong may no longer be a place to live without bullying,” Chung wrote on Facebook. .
He is among several pro-democracy activists and academics who have left the former British colony in recent months due to the government’s crackdown on free speech and arbitrary arrests.
“I am angry at the constant bullying and oppression of many seniors and people of the same generation,” he added. “I feel sad and helpless for many younger generations who are imprisoned for daring to fight for this. For the new generation in Hong Kong, they can only be indoctrinated without being able to know the truth or have multiple perspectives.”
In his lengthy message, he said, “To be warped like maggots, or to see the absurdity of reality warped as normal, would be very painful for me. Therefore, after weighing the factors and considerations, we had to make this decision as a last resort (sic). »
Mr. Chung will continue in his role until the end of April, when his contract will end, said Robert Chung, president and chief executive officer of Pori. Hong Kong Free Press.
Mr Chung’s announcement came just two days after he appeared at a press conference in Pori regarding a survey on public awareness of cannabis products.
The Hong Kong administration critic was arrested for questioning in January 2021 after police raided Pori’s office for his alleged involvement in an “unofficial” primary election.