The South China Morning Post (January 26) reported that a People's Daily commentary (January 25) had accused the new head of the Hong Kong Bar Association, for a second day in a row, of having “lost professionalism and rationality”. The accusation was prompted by his remarks suggesting he would seek changes to the city’s national security law. It said “Do not let the political prejudice of the Bar Association ruin Hong Kong’s rule of law” and accused the body of becoming “more politicised in recent years, making use of its influence in society to abet activities that cause mayhem in Hong Kong”. It cautioned that the move by the Hong Kong Bar Association was a departure from the spirit of the rule of law and a challenge to the essence of the “one country, two systems” policy. A separate commentary on China Daily (January 26) titled “Time for Bar Association to embrace political realism”, stated: “For any groups or parties to play a role in Hong Kong’s socioeconomic and political development, they must recognise and respect China’s sovereign powers over the region. The Bar Association’s new chairman, Paul Harris, seems yet to realise this political reality.”
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