Solicitors of the Law Society of Hong Kong passed a motion of no confidence on Thursday in the society's president Ambrose Lam San-keung, with 2,392 votes supporting the motion and 1,478 votes saying no.

Lam had publicly supported the central government's white paper clarifying the concept of China's "One Country, Two Systems." He told reporters on June 16 that the white paper has made it clear that judges are part of the "Hong Kong governors" and it would not affect Hong Kong's independent jurisdiction. He also said it was no problem to require judges to love their country. On another occasion, Lam said he believed the Communist Party of China is "so great, as it has led our country to a new era."

It is hard to tell what's wrong about Lam's remarks. The Law Society's motion has shown how complicated the political atmosphere is in the city. It seems risky for people to support the white paper of One Country, Two Systems or to support patriotism in Hong Kong.

Political differences have become a dividing line in Hong Kong society. Lawyers are naturally close to politics. As judicial independence is one of Hong Kong's key values, it is necessary for the lawyers to work toward preserving the purity of Hong Kong's legal system.

The Basic Law established the political status of Hong Kong. It was the result of intense negotiations and wrestling between China and Britain, which has been recognized by the international community. It is consistent with Hong Kong's interests.

A trend has developed among Hongkongers to oppose the central government and demonize loving the country. It attempts to change Hong Kong's political course decided by historical factors, and instead push for a path decided by the opposition.

This is indeed a political play, aiming at strengthening the opposition force by taking advantage of some Hong Kong people's concern of a change to their previous way of life.

Did Hong Kong really enjoy more freedom and democracy before it was returned to China in 1997? Also, in the past 17 years, can anyone give an example of Hong Kong's judicial independence being blocked by the central government?

Some extremists in Hong Kong are trying to launch political waves that cannot be accepted by Hong Kong society and the entire country. Just because China is a socialist country, the extremists are opposed to whatever the country has.

No one in the mainland wants to destroy Hong Kong's democracy. We want Hong Kong to keep its political and cultural characteristics. Hong Kong lawyers should trust the goodwill of mainland society and help consolidate the ties between Hong Kong and mainland society.