frogblog

From time to time, frogblog will be bringing you first-hand accounts from MPs about stuff they’ve been up to. Today’s is from Rod, who has just completed a protest on the steps of Parliament. The occasion was the arrival of Mr Wu Bangguo, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress. He’s the second most important politician in China, second only to Chinese President Hu Jintao. Rod’s idea was to conduct a silent vigil on the steps of Parliament as Mr Wu arrived with the Tibetan flag, to highlight China’s occupation and oppression of the territory. This is what Rod has to say about the protest:

As I unfurled the Tibetan flag, the head of Chinese security shouted out, “Police! Police!” as he wildly gestured in my direction. The head of NZ security politely explained to him that I am a Member of Parliament and was entitled to stand where I was. I had already arranged permission from the Speaker to be there.

The Chinese head of security then shuffled the Chinese media contingent around to the side door of the Beehive, out of sight, and then positioned four Chinese security guards in front of me. The NZ head of security asked the security guards to move aside, so as not to block my presence.

Clearly, as all this unfolded, there was a rapid change to the original plans. Mr Wu was to have a powhiri and be met by the Prime Minister on the forecourt in front of Parliament. He was then going to walk up the red carpet up the steps of Parliament. However, because of my presence, the Chinese head of security scuttled this plan and Mr Wu’s car went around the corner, and he went into the side entrance of the Beehive.

While mine was a solitary presence, it was a protest on behalf of all New Zealanders who are opposed to the Chinese Government’s abuse of human rights and its exploitation of people. I was, however, very concerned that the Chinese head of security seemed not to be content with the Chinese Government’s clampdown on freedom of speech in China. He felt it necessary to also clampdown on free speech in New Zealand. He should be reminded that he was outside the democratically elected New Zealand Parliament, not standing in Tiananmen Square.

I was, however, also heartened that the NZ head of security recognised my right to protest, and risked causing offence to her Chinese counterpart to protect it. For that, she deserves praise.

Rod has also done a press release on this here.

UPDATE: NZPA has its report here. Scoop has photos here. Newstalk ZB has its report here.

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