Hilary Wong
Friday, July 18, 2014
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The construction work immediately drew criticism that the open-door policy of the government was becoming a closed-door affair.
Workers are putting up barriers outside the headquarters' East Wing, where rallies have been staged in the past.
A spokesman said security needs to be stepped up to protect the building from "potential threats."
He said the recent public protests outside the complex "illustrate the need to have appropriate security measures in place."
A spokesman for the office of the chief secretary for administration said construction of the fences will cost about HK$2 million.
The open area in front of the East Wing will be closed until the end of August but protesters can still apply to the administrative department to demonstrate in designated areas on Sundays or public holidays.
Upon completion, the forecourt will be closed from 11pm to 6am daily.
A spokesman for Civil Human Rights Front said the new fence will become a symbol of antagonism between the government and public, transforming the complex from "doors always open" to "doors always closed."
Democratic Party lawmaker Albert Ho Chun-yan said the open area is a public place and he will consider seeking a judicial review to overturn the construction work.
"The message to society and the world is negative," he said.
"This symbolizes a closed society and a closed political environment.
"Is the government forcing its citizens to protest on Des Voeux Road Central or Queen's Road Central?"
Federation of Students secretary general Alex Chow Yong-kang said the government does not want to see protesters rallying outside its headquarters - a similar move to the central government liaison office putting a large plant outside its premises in 2012.
"If they do not allow people to rally outside the CGO, they will move to other places. Chater Road is another choice," Chow said.
Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress lawmaker Tam Yiu- chung supported the decision, saying it is understandable in light of protesters attempting to storm the Legislative Council earlier.
"It's fine to stage protests or present petitions, but we hope people can also be aware of safety," he said.
"We must be prepared if similar protests happen in the future."
Ann Chiang Lai-wan, also from the DAB, said the cost of repairs could be high if mobs storm the headquarters.
Civic Party lawmaker Alan Leong Kah- kit said the government's door has been "always locked" in recent years and it is now obvious it is trying to suppress people's opinions further.
The HK$5.4 billion Central Government Office complex became operational on August 11, 2011.
It was designed with the main themes of Doors Always Open, Land Always Green, Sky Will Be Blue and People Will Be Connected.
The aim was to project the independent and special status, and the transparent and dignified image of the legislature.
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