(OTTAWA) MP Jenny Kwan says she won’t give in to China’s intimidation, even if it might complicate her job.
The elected New Democrat was informed last week by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service that she had been the subject of interference by a foreign power. She can’t give more information about it due to state security laws.
Mme Kwan is said to be a target for China because of his positions on the basic rights of Hong Kong residents and the Uyghur Muslim minority.
The member for Vancouver East — who was born in Hong Kong — says there is always a risk when an elected official puts himself in the crosshairs of the Chinese government. She says voters may want to walk away from her or worry about the effects it could have on their lives.
She acknowledges that these concerns are real, but she can’t let them distract her from her work.
Mme Kwan said those who live outside Hong Kong and China must speak out for those who cannot speak.
Mme Kwan adds that she had not noticed the alleged measures taken by China against her.
Here is what I take away from this briefing. No matter what a foreign power may do to me, I will not give up the job I am doing.
Jenny Kwan, NDP MP
Chinese interference reinforces its conviction that the defense of human rights is even more important than before, especially with the approach of the 34e anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre on Monday. The repression against the democratic movement had cost the lives of hundreds of people, if not thousands.
According to Mabel Tung, president of the Vancouver Society in Support of the Democratic Movement, many will commemorate the events privately. Since the 2919 democratic rights protests in Hong Kong, Chinese authorities have removed all monuments that reference Tiananmen. As for the books that talked about it, they are no longer on the shelves of bookstores or libraries.
“There is a very active strategy to erase history,” argues Mme Kwan who emigrated from Hong Kong at the age of 9.
The MP took part in a protest last week to remember those killed in the 1989 crackdown. punished.
“We had encouraged people to wear a mask, sunglasses and a hat so that they could not be identified. They were really afraid of being recognized, underlines Mme Tung. No one wants to go to jail for an act that is not criminal. »
According to her, several Chinese expatriates living in Vancouver are happy to see that Mme Kwan is ready to defend their rights.
“We know we are not alone. This person is with us so that we can follow this path together. »
Mme Tung acknowledges that she is concerned for M’s safety.me Kwan.