DATE=9/5/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=HONG KONG / SUBVERSION LAW (S)

NUMBER=2-307181

BYLINE=KATHERINE MARIA

DATELINE=HONG KONG

CONTENT=

INTRO: Hong Kong's government has indefinitely delayed introducing a new set of controversial anti-subversion laws in the face of months of opposition. V-O-A's Katherine Maria reports from Hong Kong, where people fear the laws could erode civil liberties and freedoms.

TEXT: Chief Executive Tung Chee-Hwa announced Friday he had postponed re-introducing legislation against subversion, sedition, and treason.

/// TUNG ACT IN CANTONESE EST & FADE ///

He says he will wait until he has enough public support.

The bill had gone through several revisions earlier this year but not enough to satisfy public concerns that civil liberties would be eroded.

Its final passage was derailed when a half-million people demonstrated on July first, calling for Tung Chee-Hwa's resignation.

The political crisis caused a shake-up in Mr. Tung's cabinet and analysts here say Friday's move to postpone the issue could help restore public trust.

Hong Kong is required to pass anti-subversion legislation under its mini-constitution adopted in 1997 when the British colony reverted to Chinese rule. Hong Kong is guaranteed freedoms not enjoyed on the communist mainland.

NEB/HK/KM/JO/KBK