The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) of Hong Kong’s public libraries had suspended two literary awards, the “Biennial Literature Award” and the “Chinese Literature Creation Award,” for over two years due to an internal review. Reports have surfaced that this year’s reinstated literary awards have added national security clauses and introduced multiple regulations regarding the content of submitted works. Some figures in the literary community have pointed out that many classic literary works involve elements that are now prohibited, criticizing the authorities for stifling creative freedom.
The LCSD has reinstated the literary awards this year, which have a history of 45 years. However, in addition to the national security clauses, new regulations have been imposed on the content of submitted works. These regulations include prohibitions on alluding to or defaming others, violence, pornography, vulgar language, indecency, and “any language or behavior deemed disgusting,” with violators risking disqualification from the competition.
Renowned writer Wong Pak-yun, who has won the “Biennial Literature Award” multiple times, stated in an interview with Ming Pao that if he were to participate under the current guidelines, he would surely be disqualified by the authorities. He also mentioned that creators following these rules would not be considered “qualified authors.”
Poet Wu Mei-yun, who previously served as a judge for the Chinese Literature Creation Award, criticized that the quality of literary works should not solely be judged based on the presence of coarse language or indecency, noting that even the Nobel Prize in Literature does not delve into these aspects. Another former judge of the literary creation award, writer Pun Kwok-ling, also remarked that literary works are not necessarily meant to make people “feel good or clean.” Just as there is a concept of “violent aesthetics” in films, he believed that the authorities’ new regulations are subject to debate.
When approached for comment by the media, the LCSD did not provide a direct response on how they define “allusion” and “disgusting,” or whether the eligibility of works is determined by judges or the department. They emphasized only ensuring that the activities they organize comply with the laws of Hong Kong. If there are legitimate reasons to believe that the content of a work is obscene or indecent, in violation of Hong Kong laws, or jeopardizes national security, participation or award qualifications may be revoked.
In a review of past records, the “Biennial Literature Award” in 2021 was delayed by a year before the results were announced. There was a notable absence of winners in the poetry category, with reports suggesting that poetry collections such as “Light Hidden in Dust,” “Long Mist Dark Light,” and “Precepts and Co-meditation” were initially recommended by judges for various accolades but ultimately had their qualifications revoked by the LCSD.
At the time, Secretary for Home Affairs Ted Yeung responded, saying that activities or publications promoted by the LCSD must comply with the law, social morality standards, and more. If the department deems no works meet the “requirements,” the awards will not be presented.