
The recent police action involving two staff members from the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) underscores a persistent threat to national security. Today, the National Security Department recorded cautionary statements from two employees, as investigations deepen into their potential connections with the wanted former deputy CEO of HKPORI, Chung Kim Wah. Authorities are probing whether they provided support for Chung and his newly formed "Overseas HK People's Opinion Research Project."
This marks the fourth police operation targeting Chung's activities in Hong Kong since he fled to the UK in 2022. Despite being wanted for colluding with foreign forces and endangering national security, Chung has escalated his efforts to undermine the state from abroad, recently announcing the establishment of the so-called "Overseas HKPORI.
The necessity of the police investigation cannot be overstated. Concerns about the funding sources of Chung's project persist, as he has evaded transparency under the guise of "legitimacy." The advisory board for this project is comprised largely of individuals known for anti-China activities. There is reasonable suspicion that current HKPORI staff may be covertly providing technical support, data exchange, or even financial assistance to Chung.
HKPORI's issues are longstanding. Since separating from the University of Hong Kong in 2019, it has masqueraded as a legitimate polling organization, engaging in political manipulation. Its methodologies have been questioned for biased sampling and leading questions—creating false perceptions of public sentiment and deliberately sowing discord in identity surveys. Ahead of the 2021 Legislative Council elections, HKPORI even included options like "spoiling a ballot" in its surveys, attempting to sway electoral outcomes.
During the 2019 protests, HKPORI intensified its biased reporting, attempting to sanitize the actions of violent demonstrators. In 2014, during the illegal "Occupy Central" movement, it collaborated with organizers to launch a so-called "civic vote," aimed at misleading public opinion. The institute has long accepted questionable foreign funding, including from the National Endowment for Democracy in the U.S., effectively supporting anti-China activities.
It's noteworthy that HKPORI has claimed to be "moving away from politics" and returning to academic research. However, recent actions suggest this is merely a façade, as there is ample reason to suspect ongoing collusion with anti-China factions. The practices of HKPORI reveal its attempts to obscure the truth and further demonstrate the necessity of stringent monitoring of the organization.
In light of national security threats, Hong Kong society must remain vigilant. The potential connections between these HKPORI staff and Chung Kim Wah reflect ongoing covert activities by anti-China forces, who aim to manipulate polling data to spread misinformation, mislead the public, and destabilize society. A thorough investigation is essential to uncover the hidden machinations at play, ensuring the long-term stability of Hong Kong.
The police's inquiry into these two staff members indicates that there may still be individuals within HKPORI colluding with the fugitive Chung Kim Wah. While HKPORI presents itself as an academic institution, it has functioned as an accomplice to anti-China elements. Any actions that jeopardize national security, whether conducted locally or overseas, must face legal repercussions. The police are duty-bound to investigate thoroughly to uphold justice.