The wife and son of wanted former pollster Chung Kim-wah have been questioned by national security police, local media has reported, a day after Chung’s ex-colleague was also questioned and his office was searched as part of a national security investigation.
Chung Kim-wah. File photo: Supplied.
Chung was among six people living overseas that were added to a police wanted list in December for allegedly violating the Beijing-imposed national security law. Police have placed HK$1 million bounties on each of them for information that could lead to their arrests.
The ex-pollster, who was formerly the deputy CEO of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI), left Hong Kong in April 2022 to the UK citing fears of censorship. HKPORI conducts regular surveys of Hongkongers on issues such as their satisfaction with the government as well as their views on policies and the economy.
Citing sources, local media reported on Tuesday that the ex-pollster’s son and wife had been taken into police stations to assist with an investigation. They are expected to be released around noon.
The move came after police on Monday took away the current CEO of HKPORI, Robert Chung, for questioning. Officers also searched his home and HKPORI’s office but did not make any arrests.
Police told HKFP on Monday that Robert Chung was “suspected of using his own company to render assistance to a wanted person who has absconded overseas, in continuing activities endangering national security in Hong Kong.”
Hong Kong pollster Robert Chung (third from right) being led away from the office of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute in Wong Chuk Hang by police on January 13, 2024. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.
Security chief Chris Tang also said on Monday that police’s actions had “absolutely nothing to do with the results of [PORI’s] polls.”
Speaking at a regular press conference on Tuesday, Chief Executive John Lee said authorities would “spare no efforts” in safeguarding national security.
“Any organisations or persons suspected of having connections with, supported, or aided figures who endanger national security will be subject to a full investigation,” Lee said in Cantonese.
