Federal Liberal MP Gladys Liu is calling on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam to “listen to the voice of the public” as protests in the city over a controversial extradition bill threaten to escalate as the country marks the anniversary of its handover to China.
A huge pro-democracy rally is being held in the city on Monday as Hong Kongers mark 32 years since the city was returned from British to Chinese rule - it is still administered separately under an arrangement known as "one country, two systems".
The latest demonstration comes following a number of violent protests over the past month demanding the resignation of the pro-Beijing leader over the bill that would enable extraditions to the Chinese mainland.
Ms Lam "suspended" the proposal on June 15, but fell short of a full withdrawal.
Ms Liu, who won the Victoria seat of Chisholm in Australia’s May 18 election, told SBS Cantonese that while reaching a peaceful solution to the tensions was paramount, it was imperative for Ms Lam to do more.
"What matters is neither her personal [opinion] nor the Australian government’s views. What is more important is the relationship between the Hong Kong people and their government," she said.
"As for how to build up the relationship, Carrie Lam has never used the word ‘withdrawal’ of the bill but only used the word ‘suspension’.
"As a government, if it doesn't listen to the voice of the public, the public will be likely to abandon and withdraw their support in a democratic society. How can the government have the prestige to govern if it doesn’t listen to public opinion?"
The Australian Foreign Ministry previously called for restraint in the city, adding that any changes to the extradition law should reflect "Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy".
Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam delayed a controversial China extradition bill on Saturday after recent protests. Source: AAP
"Australia supports the right of people to protest peacefully and to exercise their freedom of speech, and we urge all sides to show restraint and avoid violence," said Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne on June 12.
Dozens of protesters and police have been injured in protests held throughout June in the central parts of Hong Kong.
Ms Liu said that as a migrant from Hong Kong, she's "very concerned about the situation" and has been following the developments closely.
"I'm proud of Hong Kongers because they show to the world that they can fight for what they want peacefully and with rationality. Most of them were seen demonstrating peacefully, which is what is needed in a democratic process,” she said.
"The Hong Kong government has heard the voice expressed by the 2 million people on the street and has already responded. Whether the demands of the protesters are met, we need to see if the two sides will take further action.
Liberal MP Gladys Liu wants to be remembered as a strong advocate for her electorate Chisholm. Source: AAP
"At present, instead of fighting against each other, it is better to discuss in a peaceful and rational way."
Protests were also held in Australia's capital cities over the past month, organised by the community group Australia-Hong Kong Link.
Link spokesperson Jane Poon previously called on the federal government and Ms Liu to take a stronger stance.
"(It's) too neutral and does not reflect the seriousness of the issue," she told SBS News.
"We ask for her [Lam's] reply at the end of May, but we received nothing.
"We believe she must share [the] same feeling as us because she is originally from HK, [she] must have relatives and family in Hong Kong."
