View source for Regina Ip

{{short description|Chinese politician in Hong Kong}}
{{family name hatnote|1=[[Ye (surname)|Ip]] (''née'' [[Lau (surname)|Lau]])|2=Regina Ip|3=(Ip)-Lau Suk-yee|lang=Hong Kong}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = [[The Honourable]]
| name= Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee
| native_name = {{nobold|葉劉淑儀}}
| native_name_lang = zh-hk
| birth_name = Lau Suk-yee
| honorific-suffix= {{Post-nominals|country=HKG|size=100%|GBM|GBS|JP}}
| image=Regina-ip-drops-out-8.jpg
| caption = Ip in the [[2017 Hong Kong Chief Executive election|2017 Chief Executive election]]
| nationality=Chinese
| office              = Convenor of the Non-official Members of the [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]]
| term_start          = 1 July 2022
| term_end            = 
| appointed           = [[John Lee (government official)|John Lee]]
| predecessor         = [[Bernard Charnwut Chan]]
| successor           = 
| office1=Non-official Member of the [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]]
| term_start1=1 July 2017
| term_end1=
| appointed1=[[Carrie Lam]]<br>[[John Lee (government official)|John Lee]]
| term_start2=17 October 2012
| term_end2=15 December 2016
| appointed2=[[Leung Chun-ying]]
| order3=Member of the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong|Legislative Council]]
| term_start3=1 January 2022
| constituency3=[[Hong Kong Island West (2021 constituency)|Hong Kong Island West]]
| majority3=
| predecessor3= ''New constituency''
| term_start4= 1 October 2008
| term_end4 = 31 December 2021
| constituency4=[[Hong Kong Island (constituency)|Hong Kong Island]]
| majority4=
| predecessor4=[[Anson Chan]]
| successor4='' Constituency abolished''
| order5=Chairwoman of the [[New People's Party (Hong Kong)|New People's Party]]
| term_start5=9 January 2011
| term_end5=
| predecessor5=''New party''
| successor5=
| order6=[[Secretary for Security]]
| term_start6=31 August 1998
| term_end6=25 July 2003
| predecessor6=[[Peter Lai Hing-ling|Peter Lai]]
| successor6=[[Ambrose Lee]]
| order7=[[Director of Immigration]]
| term7=1996 – 1998
| predecessor7=[[Laurence Leung]]
| successor7=[[Ambrose Lee]]
| office8=[[Trade and Industry Department|Director of Industry Department]]
| term8=1995 – 1996
| predecessor8=[[Denise Yue]]
| successor8=[[Francis Ho]]
| birth_date={{birth date and age|df=yes|1950|8|24}}
| birth_place=[[British Hong Kong|Hong Kong]]
| ancestry=[[Nanhai]], [[Guangdong]]
| spouse= {{marriage|Sammy Ip Man-ho|1981|1997}}
| children = Cynthia Ip
| parents = Lau Fook-seng<br />Wa Choi-Fung
| education=[[St. Stephen's Girls' College]]
| alma_mater=[[University of Hong Kong]] {{small|([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])}}<br />[[University of Glasgow]] {{small|([[Master of Letters|MLitt]])}}<br />[[Stanford University]] {{small|([[Master of Science|MS]], [[Master of Arts|MA]])}}
| party=[[New People's Party (Hong Kong)|New People's Party]]
| residence = [[Bowen Road]], Hong Kong
| signature = Regina Ip signature.svg
}}
{{Chinese
|collapse=yes
|t=葉劉淑儀
|s=叶刘淑仪
|p=Yé Liú Shúyi
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|my=Mandarin Yale
|gr=Gwoyeu Romatzyh
|bpmf=Bopomofo
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|j=Ip6 Lau4 Suk1 Yee4}}
'''Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee''' {{Post-nominals|country=HKG|GBM|GBS|JP}} ({{zh-t|葉劉淑儀}}; ''{{nee}}'' '''Lau'''; born 24 August 1950) is a Chinese politician. She is currently the Convenor of the [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]] (ExCo) and a member of the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong]] (LegCo), as well as the founder and current chairperson of the [[New People's Party (Hong Kong)|New People's Party]]. She was formerly a prominent government official of the [[Hong Kong|Hong Kong Special Administrative Region]] (HKSAR) and was the first woman to be appointed the [[Secretary for Security]] to head the disciplinary service. She is also the founder and Chairwoman of Savantas Policy Institute, a think-tank in Hong Kong.

Ip became a controversial figure for her role advocating the passage of the [[National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill 2003|national security legislation]] to implement [[Hong Kong Basic Law Article 23]], and after this legislation was withdrawn, she became the first [[principal officials of Hong Kong|principal official]] to resign from the administration of [[Chief Executive of Hong Kong|Chief Executive]] [[Tung Chee-hwa]]. She took a sabbatical to study for a master's degree. She contested the [[2007 Hong Kong Island by-election]] for the Legislative Council but was defeated by [[Anson Chan]] in the two-horse race. She ran again in the [[2008 Hong Kong legislative election|2008 Legislative Council election]] and won, gaining a seat in the [[Hong Kong Island (constituency)|Hong Kong Island]]. She was re-elected in the [[2012 Hong Kong legislative election|2012]] and [[2016 Hong Kong legislative election|2016 election]]s.

Ip is widely known to be keen on the Chief Executive top post. She ran in both [[2012 Hong Kong Chief Executive election|2012]] and [[2017 Hong Kong Chief Executive election|2017 Chief Executive elections]] but did not secure a minimum number of 150 nominations from the 1,200-member [[Election Committee]] to enter the race on both occasions. In 2020, [[Larry Diamond]], her supervisor at Stanford University, publicly criticized Ip's handling of the democracy movement and freedom of the press in Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite web|title=戰狼葉劉有辱師門 {{!}} 顧書維|url=https://www.hkcnews.com/article/32055/葉劉淑儀-戴雅門larry_diamond-32055/戰狼葉劉有辱師門|access-date=2020-11-25|website=眾新聞|language=zh|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127040808/https://www.hkcnews.com/article/32055/%E8%91%89%E5%8A%89%E6%B7%91%E5%84%80-%E6%88%B4%E9%9B%85%E9%96%80larry_diamond-32055/%E6%88%B0%E7%8B%BC%E8%91%89%E5%8A%89%E6%9C%89%E8%BE%B1%E5%B8%AB%E9%96%80|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lau|first=Jessie|title=Hong Kong's Public Broadcaster Under Siege|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/11/hong-kongs-public-broadcaster-under-siege/|access-date=2020-11-25|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US|archive-date=20 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120173702/https://thediplomat.com/2020/11/hong-kongs-public-broadcaster-under-siege/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Early life==
Ip was born in what was then [[British Hong Kong]] in 1950; her father was a [[Chinese Singaporean]] trader Lau Fook-seng, and her mother was actress Wa Choi-Fung (華彩鳳),<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hkmdb.com/db/people/view.mhtml?id=1263&display_set=eng |title=華彩鳳 |access-date=12 September 2019 |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204091631/http://hkmdb.com/db/people/view.mhtml?id=1263&display_set=eng |url-status=live }}</ref> the second wife of her father.<ref name=scmp-ravina/> She attended [[St. Stephen's Girls' College]],<ref name=cultivate>Regina Ip (2 December 2006). "I remember being told to cultivate vices" ''The South China Morning Post''</ref> after which she read English literature at the [[University of Hong Kong]], graduating with first-class honours; she later obtained a Master of Letters degree from the [[University of Glasgow]],<ref name=scmp-ravina>Shamdasani, Ravina (17 July 2003). [https://www.scmp.com/article/421878/always-ready-challenge-ip-was-undone-article-23 Ip was undone by Article 23], ''The South China Morning Post''</ref> where she studied Elizabethan poet, Sir [[Philip Sidney]].<ref name="on guard">{{cite web|url=http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/news/bmag/sbsm0205/southeast_asia.html|archive-url=https://swap.stanford.edu/20120127075854/http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/news/bmag/sbsm0205/southeast_asia.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 January 2012|title=''Stanford Business Magazine'' May 2002, Volume 70, Number 3: "On Guard in Hong Kong"|access-date=10 March 2018}}</ref>

==Government career==
In the 1970s Ip joined the Hong Kong Government as an Administrative Officer.<ref name=scmp-ravina/> In 1986, she, accompanied by her husband, went to [[Stanford Graduate School of Business]] to study for an MS in Management under the [[Sloan Fellows|Sloan Programme]].<ref name="on guard"/><ref>[http://www.stanford.edu/~scchoi/SCMP/scmp.htm "Regina Ip a mentor to her fellow HK students at Stanford"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011203233/http://www.stanford.edu/~scchoi/SCMP/scmp.htm |date=11 October 2008 }}, ''South China Morning Post'', 9 July 2006, Stanford University</ref> She took various bureaucratic positions before she was appointed Director of Industry Department in September 1995.

===Ministerial career===
In August 1996, she was appointed [[Director of Immigration]] – a post usually filled by officials from within the Immigration Department. She was the first woman to hold the post, and continued until after the [[Transfer of the sovereignty of Hong Kong|1997 handover]]. While she held that post, the UK government decided to grant full British citizenship for 50,000 Hong Kong families. She was also head of immigration during the [[right of abode in Hong Kong#Controversies|right of abode saga]], when the Hong Kong government requested the National People's Congress in Beijing to intervene after the courts ruled against the government, essentially granting the Hong Kong government the ability to simply ignore the court's ruling after it granted right of abode to the children of Hong Kong residents who held right of abode whether or not those children were born in Hong Kong.<ref name=scmp-ravina/>

In July 1998, Ip was appointed to the post of [[Secretary for Security]]<ref>"迎向燦爛的未來". ''Ming Pao''. News Weekly 1810, and 19 July 2003.</ref> – again, the first woman to hold that post.<ref name=scmp-ravina/> She became the first government minister to "declare her political stance".<ref name="ihkbl">{{cite book |last1=Gittings |first1=Danny |title=Introduction to the Hong Kong Basic Law |date=2017 |location=Hong Kong |page=118 |isbn=9789888139484 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R5mXSCQXHysC&pg=PA118}}</ref>

Ip became one of the so-called 14 principal officials and a member of the [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]] during [[Tung Chee-hwa]]'s second term in government on 1 July 2002. She was well known at that time as a hawkish, uncompromising figure in the Government, with some describing her as "a staunch, arrogant, authoritarian and yet outspoken bureaucrat".<ref>{{cite journal | last=Ku | first=Agnes S. | date=2004 | title=Negotiating the Space of Civil Autonomy in Hong Kong: Power, Discourses and Dramaturgical Representation | journal=[[China Quarterly]] | volume=179 | page=654 | doi=10.1017/S0305741004000529 | s2cid=144187220 | url=http://repository.ust.hk/ir/bitstream/1783.1-2074/1/KU2004a.pdf | access-date=20 September 2020 | archive-date=20 July 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720134449/http://repository.ust.hk/ir/bitstream/1783.1-2074/1/KU2004a.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref> As security minister, she promoted the adoption of the controversial Article 23 of Hong Kong's Basic Law. After massive public protests and the government's withdrawal of the [[National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill 2003|proposed national security legislation]], Ip resigned from office on 25 June 2003, citing personal reasons.

==Political career==
In 2003, Ip returned to [[Stanford University]] to pursue a master's degree in East Asian Studies, with [[Larry Diamond]] as her supervisor. Her thesis, ''Hong Kong: Case Study in Democratic Development in Transitional Society'', reportedly expressed admiration for a [[bicameral system]] and suggested that political parties in Hong Kong be strengthened and be more inclusive.<ref name=resurface>{{cite web|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/HG14Ad01.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717232919/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/HG14Ad01.html|url-status=unfit|archive-date=17 July 2006|title='Iron Ladies' resurface in Hong Kong|author=Todd Crowell|work=Asia Times|date=14 July 2006|access-date=27 November 2007}}</ref> She returned to Hong Kong in 2006. She set up a policy [[think tank]], Savantas Policy Institute, giving rise to media speculation that she was planning to run for the office of Chief Executive sometime in the future. In September 2007, she declared her intention to run for the Legislative Council in the [[2007 Hong Kong Island by-election|Hong Kong Island by-election]]. She apologised for her handling of the Article 23 situation, hoped to put it behind her. However, she received only 43% of the vote, defeated by [[Anson Chan]].<ref>[http://www.elections.gov.hk/legco2007by/eng/result.html 2007 LegCo by-election results] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215184102/http://www.elections.gov.hk/legco2007by/eng/result.html |date=15 December 2007 }}</ref>

===Legislative Councillor===
Ip ran in the [[2008 Hong Kong legislative election]] in the [[Hong Kong Island (constituency)|Hong Kong Island geographical constituency]], forming a ticket including dermatologist [[Louis Shih]] and two elected District Councillors, Albert Wong and Ronald Chan. Her ticket won a total of 61,073 votes, the second highest on Hong Kong Island and the fourth highest Hong Kong wide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200809/08/P200809080068.htm|title=Legco election results: HONG KONG ISLAND|website=www.info.gov.hk|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220151830/http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200809/08/P200809080068.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> She was sworn in as Legislative Councillor on 8 October 2008.

In January 2011, she launched a middle-class oriented party called [[New People's Party (Hong Kong)|New People's Party]].<ref name=wsj>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703667904576071570107656388?mod=googlenews_wsj|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=17 January 2011|quote="Joining Ms Ip as deputy chairmen are former Liberal Party member Michael Tien and Louis Shih, former chairman of the pro-democracy organization SynergyNet."|first=Cathy|last=Yan|title=Hong Kong's Ip Launches Political Party|date=8 January 2011|archive-date=10 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210141001/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703667904576071570107656388?mod=googlenews_wsj|url-status=live}}</ref> The party held two seats in the legislature, herself and [[Michael Tien]], after the [[2012 Hong Kong legislative election|2012 Legislative council election]], in which Ip was elected with 30,289 votes, despite losing almost half of the votes. She was subsequently appointed to the [[Executive Council of Hong Kong]] by Chief Executive [[Leung Chun-ying]] after the election, in which she served until December 2016 when she ran for the Chief Executive for the second time. Her party expanded its district base when it allied with the [[Civil Force]] in 2014. Ip was re-elected to the Legislative Council in 2016, with the highest votes of 60,760 in Hong Kong Island.

===2012 Chief Executive bid===
{{main|2012 Hong Kong Chief Executive election}}
Ip was known to be interested in the Chief Executive post. She expressed her intention to run in the [[2012 Hong Kong Chief Executive election|2012 election]] but dropped out on 15 December. Following a number of scandals surrounding [[Henry Tang]], Ip re-announced her candidacy in the race on 20 February.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/news.htm?main&20120221&56&820104 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120309/http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/news.htm?main&20120221&56&820104 |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> She withdrew her candidacy after failing to receive enough nominations before the deadline and thus did not qualify to stand for the election on 29 February, which made her campaign last for only nine days.<ref>[http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20120229/news_20120229_56_822178.htm "Regina Ip fails in bid to join CE race"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220212043/http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20120229/news_20120229_56_822178.htm |date=20 December 2016 }}. RTHK. 29 February 2012</ref>

===2017 Chief Executive bid===
{{main|2017 Hong Kong Chief Executive election}}
Ip has expressed her intention to consider running in the [[2017 Hong Kong Chief Executive election|2017 Chief Executive election]]. After incumbent Leung Chun-ying announced he would not seek for re-election, Ip resigned from the Executive Council to launch her campaign. She announced her candidacy on 15 December under the campaign slogan "Win back Hong Kong" after receiving her party's endorsement. She called for a relaunch of the electoral reform process under Beijing's restrictive framework as decreed by the [[National People's Congress Standing Committee]] (NPCSC) on 31 August 2020. She also pledged to enact controversial Article 23 with "suitable measures".<ref>{{cite news|title=Regina Ip declares her entry into leadership race with pledge to enact controversial Article 23|date=15 December 2016|newspaper=South China Morning Post|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2054878/regina-ip-announces-her-entry-chief-executive-race-slogan}}</ref>

Ip got emotional and tear-eyed in a media gathering, "[I]n the past ten years I started from nothing, working hard bit by bit, splashing out my own money, putting in much mental and physical effort," Ip said as her voice shook. "Can you say I had not taken on responsibilities for the Hong Kong society? When I handled Article 23, I did not perform satisfactorily?" she defended herself, "I have taken responsibility under the [[Principal Officials Accountability System|accountability system]] and have already apologised multiple times. I was not shameless, I did not hold onto my powers. I stepped down from the administration. I'll leave for society to judge whether I have the guts to take on responsibilities. I definitely have taken on a lot of responsibilities." Ip's remarks came after Leung Chun-ying praised Lam for her "ability and willingness to take on responsibilities" As Carrie Lam declared her candidacy and Tsang was expected to run, political analysts said that could endanger Ip's chances of getting the minimum 150 nominations to enter the race. Ip revealed that two or three electors, including businessman [[Allan Zeman]], have turned their backs on her to support Lam.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ip chokes back tears over Lam praise|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news.php?id=178666|work=The Standard|date=18 January 2017|access-date=21 January 2017|archive-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118172953/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news.php?id=178666|url-status=live}}</ref>

Supported by her New People's Party and a few electors from business sectors, Ip also gained a nomination from a pro-democrat elector from the Accountancy subsector, who wished to send Ip into the race to split Lam's votes.<ref name="Woofirst">{{cite news|title=【特首選戰】提名期展開 林鄭穩握186票入閘 胡官獲零的突破|url=https://www.hk01.com/%E7%89%B9%E9%A6%96%E9%81%B8%E8%88%892017/71525/-%E7%89%B9%E9%A6%96%E9%81%B8%E6%88%B0-%E6%8F%90%E5%90%8D%E6%9C%9F%E5%B1%95%E9%96%8B-%E6%9E%97%E9%84%AD%E7%A9%A9%E6%8F%A1186%E7%A5%A8%E5%85%A5%E9%96%98-%E8%83%A1%E5%AE%98%E7%8D%B2%E9%9B%B6%E7%9A%84%E7%AA%81%E7%A0%B4|date=14 February 2017|work=HK01|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-date=26 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326124907/https://www.hk01.com/%E7%89%B9%E9%A6%96%E9%81%B8%E8%88%892017/71525/-%E7%89%B9%E9%A6%96%E9%81%B8%E6%88%B0-%E6%8F%90%E5%90%8D%E6%9C%9F%E5%B1%95%E9%96%8B-%E6%9E%97%E9%84%AD%E7%A9%A9%E6%8F%A1186%E7%A5%A8%E5%85%A5%E9%96%98-%E8%83%A1%E5%AE%98%E7%8D%B2%E9%9B%B6%E7%9A%84%E7%AA%81%E7%A0%B4|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=【特首選戰】民主派選委雪中送炭提名葉劉 稱欲保送入閘鎅林鄭票|url=https://www.hk01.com/%E7%89%B9%E9%A6%96%E9%81%B8%E8%88%892017/73954/-%E7%89%B9%E9%A6%96%E9%81%B8%E6%88%B0-%E6%B0%91%E4%B8%BB%E6%B4%BE%E9%81%B8%E5%A7%94%E9%9B%AA%E4%B8%AD%E9%80%81%E7%82%AD%E6%8F%90%E5%90%8D%E8%91%89%E5%8A%89-%E7%A8%B1%E6%AC%B2%E4%BF%9D%E9%80%81%E5%85%A5%E9%96%98%E9%8E%85%E6%9E%97%E9%84%AD%E7%A5%A8|date=23 February 2017|work=HK01|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623142944/https://www.hk01.com/%E7%89%B9%E9%A6%96%E9%81%B8%E8%88%892017/73954/%E7%89%B9%E9%A6%96%E9%81%B8%E6%88%B0-%E6%B0%91%E4%B8%BB%E6%B4%BE%E9%81%B8%E5%A7%94%E9%9B%AA%E4%B8%AD%E9%80%81%E7%82%AD%E6%8F%90%E5%90%8D%E8%91%89%E5%8A%89-%E7%A8%B1%E6%AC%B2%E4%BF%9D%E9%80%81%E5%85%A5%E9%96%98%E9%8E%85%E6%9E%97%E9%84%AD%E7%A5%A8|url-status=live}}</ref> However, as Lam aimed to grab more than 600 nominations, Ip faced an uphill battle to secure her nominations. She urged "a certain candidate" not to ask for additional backing since that person had secured more than enough nominations already.<ref name="buck">{{cite news|title=Buck for Hong Kong ministers does not stop with bosses, chief executive hopeful Carrie Lam says|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2072076/buck-hong-kong-ministers-does-not-stop-bosses-chief|date=18 February 2017|newspaper=South China Morning Post|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-date=21 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221183614/http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2072076/buck-hong-kong-ministers-does-not-stop-bosses-chief|url-status=live}}</ref> Ip withdrew from the election, conceding the number of nominations hours before the nomination deadline on 1 March, for the second time after her 2012 bid. She received the number of nominations "far behind what was needed". She attributed her failure to the restrictive selection process of the 1,200 structure of the Election Committee membership as she was "squeezed out" by the Beijing-supported Lam and democrats-supported Tsang and Woo.<ref>{{cite news|title=Regina Ip drops out of Hong Kong chief executive race|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2075125/regina-ip-drops-out-hong-kong-chief-executive-race|date=1 March 2017|newspaper=South China Morning Post|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301093822/http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2075125/regina-ip-drops-out-hong-kong-chief-executive-race|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Views==
Ip has taken controversial stances during her career including advocating for the Public Order Ordinance and defending government policy denying [[Right of abode issue, Hong Kong|right of abode to the children of Hong Kong]] people born in [[mainland China]] since the 1997 handover.

===Article 23===
{{Main|Hong Kong Basic Law Article 23}}
According to Ku, Ip had turned herself into a provocative political figure due to her departure from the "institutionalised bureaucratic ritual" adopted by civil servants in the past.<ref>[http://www.sosc.ust.hk/faculty/cv/ku/2007%20Theatre.pdf "State Power, Political Theatre and Reinvention of the Pro-democracy Movement in Hong Kong"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721094943/http://www.sosc.ust.hk/faculty/cv/ku/2007%20Theatre.pdf |date=21 July 2011 }}, ''Staging Politics'' (2007), chap 10. Agnes Shuk-mei Ku, Associate Professor of Social Sciences, HK University of Science and Technology</ref> She spearheaded the government's attempt to codify [[Hong Kong Basic Law Article 23]], and pushed hard for it to be legislated by July 2003.<ref>Wong, Yiu-Chung. ''One Country, Two Systems in Crisis: Hong Kong's Transformation Since the Handover'', Lexington Publishing. {{ISBN|0-7391-0492-6}}.</ref> Between September 2002 and July 2003, her popularity plunged. In October 2002, she made a remark about [[Adolf Hitler]] at the [[City University of Hong Kong|City University]].<ref>[http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=&art_id=23869&sid=&con_type=1&d_str=20021030&sear_year=2002 "Ip lashed on Hitler jibe"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522071332/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=&art_id=23869&sid=&con_type=1&d_str=20021030&sear_year=2002 |date=22 May 2011 }}, ''The Standard'', 28 October 2002</ref>
{{cquote|[[Adolf Hitler|Hitler]] was [[November 1932 German federal election|elected]] by the people. But he ended up [[Holocaust|killing seven million people]]. This proves that democracy is not a cure-all medicine.}}

Ip downplayed any opposition to the bill, predicting only 30,000 people would show up at the planned demonstration(s).<ref name="pepper">Pepper, Suzanne. ''Keeping Democracy at Bay'' (2007). Rowman & Littlefield. {{ISBN|0-7425-0877-3}}.</ref> Ip blamed political and religious leaders for creating a "[[herd mentality]]".<ref name="pepper"/> Her popularity plummeted when one remark after another contradicted popular opinion, most notably in regard to her commitment to push the bill despite the commotion and chaos of the [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome|SARS outbreak in 2003]].<ref>Carroll, John M. ''A Concise History of Hong Kong'', 2007, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. {{ISBN|0-7425-3422-7}}.</ref>

Detractors also took shots at her bushy hairstyle, nicknaming her "Broomhead" (掃把頭). This included a comic book which caricatured her in police uniform and signature bushy hairstyle. She openly admitted that although she disliked the nickname, she would not change her hairstyle just to please her critics.<ref>{{cite web|author=Li Huiling|url=http://www.zaobao.com/special/china/hk/pages/hk170703a.html|title=Antony Leung, Regina Ip, former political stars now step down|publisher=Lianhe Zaobao (Zaobao.com)|date=17 July 2003|access-date=27 November 2007|language=zh|archive-date=24 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224042348/http://www.zaobao.com/special/china/hk/pages/hk170703a.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Regarding the controversy she said "I think I would like to be remembered as somebody who was not afraid to speak out, even if that might affect my popularity."<ref name=scmp-ravina/> Ip later said "I made a mistake in promoting the bill" and apologized for remarks she had made while pushing for Article 23.<ref name=slightlysorry>Diana Lee, [http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=12&art_id=54202&sid=15585333&con_type=3&d_str=20070928&sear_year=2007 "Slightly sorry, Regina's now raring to go"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522051638/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=12&art_id=54202&sid=15585333&con_type=3&d_str=20070928&sear_year=2007 |date=22 May 2011 }}, ''[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]]'', 28 September 2007</ref>

===Views on democracy===
Ip has been criticised for her perceived inconsistent stance toward democracy. Following her return from the [[United States]], she shifted her public position during her campaign for a seat in the legislative assembly in 2007 by saying "the only way forward for Hong Kong is complete democratization", in contrast to her position before. Todd Crowell of the ''[[Asia Times]]'' referred to her as a "born-again democrat".<ref name=resurface/> [[Anson Chan]], her main rival supported by the [[Pro-democracy camp (Hong Kong)|pro-democracy camp]] in the [[2007 Hong Kong Island by-election|2007 by-election]], labelled her a "fake democrat" because of this.<ref name="SCMP112607">"The gloves come off in second TV poll debate", ''[[South China Morning Post]]'', 26 November 2007. Retrieved 28 November 2007.</ref>

In February 2022, Ip wrote a commentary on ''[[South China Morning Post|SCMP]]'', criticizing Western democracy and saying that "Many continue to indulge in the fallacious fantasy that adopting a procedure for electing our political leaders based on public participation will deliver good governance."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-02-13|title=Hong Kong must wake up from its blind faith in universal suffrage|url=https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3166661/hong-kong-must-wake-its-blind-faith-one-man-one-vote-democracy|access-date=2022-02-13|website=South China Morning Post|language=en}}</ref>

===Views on press freedom===
In July 2008, Ip was once again embroiled in controversy for her comments about police tactics used against reporters covering the heated scenes in queues for Olympics tickets. In commenting about the man-handling of Hong Kong reporters by the Beijing police, she had said that "neck-shoving [techniques]... were most effective in stopping trouble-makers". The following day, she stated that she supported [[freedom of the press]] and apologised for the "slip of the tongue", clarifying that she was neither implying that journalists were troublemakers, nor endorsing the actions of the police. [[Democratic Party (Hong Kong)|Democratic Party]] lawmaker [[Yeung Sum]] referred to this as a ''[[Freudian slip]]'' that showed up her true colours.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ambrose Leung|title=Regina Ip "really sorry" for siding with Beijing police|page=A2|work=South China Morning Post|date=31 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=|title=Regina Ip "really sorry" for siding with Beijing police|url=https://www.scmp.com/article/647320/regina-ip-really-sorry-siding-beijing-police|access-date=2021-02-09|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623142932/https://www.scmp.com/article/647320/regina-ip-really-sorry-siding-beijing-police|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Allegedly racist comments on Filipino maids===
In April 2015, Ip wrote in a controversial article in ''[[Ming Pao]]'' that she had received complaints while she was Secretary for Security from 1998 to 2003, from "foreign women" in Discovery Bay that the government was "allowing Filipino domestic helpers to seduce their husbands", and was accused of being [[sexist]] and [[racist]] by many media reports. The Philippines consulate expressed its concern over the "unfortunate choice of words" by Ip. A domestic helpers advocacy group demonstrated in front of her office, calling on her to apologise. She apologised to those who were offended by her and insisted that the article was misinterpreted.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1775287/regina-ip-apologises-comments-about-filipino-maids-hong-kong|title=Regina Ip apologises for comments about Filipino maids in Hong Kong|first=Jeffie|last=Lam|date=24 April 2015|newspaper=South China Morning Post|access-date=24 April 2015|archive-date=24 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424090735/http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/1775287/regina-ip-apologises-comments-about-filipino-maids-hong-kong|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/04/25/15/hk-politician-apologizes-over-filipino-sex-maid-spat|title=HK politician apologizes over Filipino sex maid spat|last=Kyodo|date=25 April 2015|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623142948/https://news.abs-cbn.com/global-filipino/04/25/15/hk-politician-apologizes-over-filipino-sex-maid-spat|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Views on fur wearing===
Ip was under fire for wearing a red mink coat to a Legislative Council meeting in January 2016. She defended her clothing choice, saying that "wearing fur is actually the same as eating beef...Mink farming can be more humane than rearing chicken or cattle." She was criticised by animal rights activists.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/01/28/lawmaker-regina-ip-under-fire-for-wearing-mink-and-comparing-it-to-eating-beef/|title=Lawmaker Regina Ip under fire for wearing mink... and comparing it to eating beef|date=28 January 2016|work=Hong Kong Free Press|access-date=19 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220174212/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2016/01/28/lawmaker-regina-ip-under-fire-for-wearing-mink-and-comparing-it-to-eating-beef/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Lying about Liaison Office visit===
On 5 September 2016 one day after the [[2016 Hong Kong Legislative Council election]] in which she was re-elected, Ip's car was photographed at the [[Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region|Liaison Office]]. She told ''[[Ming Pao]]'' that she was not in the car and she was sending some books she wrote to her friends there. She later admitted that she lied about it as she was requested by the other party to keep the visit confidential. She was criticised as the [[pan-democrats]] had been accusing the Liaison Office for meddling in local politics and elections. She apologised to the public and ''Ming Pao'' and denied that she was there for thanking the Liaison Office for its support.<ref>{{cite news|title=Regina Ip admits she lied about Beijing liaison office visit|date=9 September 2016|newspaper=South China Morning Post|url=http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2018025/regina-ip-admits-she-lied-about-beijing-liaison-office-visit|first=Stuart|last=Lau|access-date=9 September 2016|archive-date=24 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924201837/http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2018025/regina-ip-admits-she-lied-about-beijing-liaison-office-visit|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== New York Times Op-ed Article, "Hong Kong Is China, Like It or Not" ===
On October 1, 2020, [[the New York Times]] published an [[Op-ed|opinion piece]] by Ip, titled "Hong Kong Is China, Like It or Not".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ip|first=Regina|date=2020-10-01|title=Opinion {{!}} Hong Kong Is China, Like It or Not|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/opinion/hong-kong-china-security-law.html|access-date=2020-10-04|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004115403/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/opinion/hong-kong-china-security-law.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the piece, Ip defended the [[Hong Kong Police Force]]'s actions during the [[2019–20 Hong Kong protests]] and publicly supported the [[Legislative Council of Hong Kong]]. She also stated that Hong Kong's citizenry should reevaluate the future of the territory.
{{Blockquote|text=A realistic goal for [[Hong Kong]] ought to be remaining the freest and most international city in [[China]] and retaining its unique international status, thanks to the city's [[Foreign relations of Hong Kong|many bilateral agreements with foreign countries and its membership in numerous international organizations]]. Foreign governments should not benchmark what happens in Hong Kong against standards that prevail in [[Western world|Western countries]]; those are governed by a political system entirely different from China's. Instead, they should benchmark Hong Kong against the rest of China, and measure how the city can maintain its unique characteristics — openness, a commitment to personal rights and freedoms, respect for the rule of law and the ability to reinvent itself economically. Beijing's [[Hong Kong national security law|national security law]] is saving "[[one country, two systems]]" by ensuring that Hong Kong does not become a danger to China.|author=Regina Ip|title=New York Times, excerpt from "Hong Kong Is China, Like It or Not"|source=}}
[[Mainstream media|Mainstream journalists]] also rejected the article, including [[Pulitzer Prize]] winning journalist [[Mei Fong]].<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Mei Fong/ 方凤美|user=meifongwriter|number=1311652107141951490|date=1 October 2020|title=Where HK lawmaker Regina Ip does a hit and run on the battered remains of 'one country 2systems," backs up, and runs it over one more time. https://t.co/qn1wxHZxfy|language=en|access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> The [[National Review]] and [[The Spectator]] criticized the op-ed, as did [[HuffPost]] freelance reporter [[Yashar Ali]] and [[CBS News]] correspondent Kathryn Watson.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Coleman|first=Justine|date=2020-10-01|title=NYT opinion piece backing China's crackdown in Hong Kong sparks backlash|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/media/519262-nyt-opinion-piece-backing-chinas-crackdown-in-hong-kong-sparks-backlash|access-date=2020-10-04|website=TheHill|language=en|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004122651/https://thehill.com/homenews/media/519262-nyt-opinion-piece-backing-chinas-crackdown-in-hong-kong-sparks-backlash|url-status=live}}</ref> American politicians [[Mitt Romney]],<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Romney |first=Mitt |user=SenatorRomney |number=1311775287802298373 |date=1 October 2020 |title=As China steps up its propaganda efforts in US newspapers, it's clear that the Chinese Communist Party is feeling the pressure of intensifying global scrutiny. https://t.co/2VgLExGocf |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> [[Tom Cotton]],<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Cotton |first=Tom |user=TomCottonAR |number=1311696743063605249 |date=1 October 2020 |title=According to the @nytimes, publishing op-eds from U.S. Senators expressing views held by a majority of Americans "puts lives at risk". Also according to the @nytimes: suck it up, Hong Kong. Utterly despicable. https://t.co/doH2L0JeVX |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> [[Guy Reschenthaler|Guy Reshenthaler]]<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Reschenthaler |first=Guy |user=GReschenthaler |number=1311716334191902722 |date=1 October 2020 |title=The Chinese Communist Party silenced those who support democracy in Hong Kong through illegal force. If the NYT &amp; the Democrat party have their way, it'll soon be illegal to express an opinion opposing this headline in the United States. https://t.co/7vFxG4feui |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> and  [[Mike Gallagher (American politician)|Mike Gallagher]]<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Gallagher |first=Mike |user=RepGallagher |number=1311729768602243074 |date=1 October 2020 |title=Hard to believe that after the CCP brutally ended what was left of Hong Kong's autonomy, the NYT still sees fit to feature propaganda from Party mouthpieces in its pages. No discourse is served by giving totalitarian lackeys a seat at the table. https://t.co/FnD1C1TS6F |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> also rejected the article's claims and denounced the New York Times' decision to release the article.

Political authors [[Antonio García Martínez (author)|Antonio Garcia Martinez]],<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Antonio García Martínez |user=antoniogm |number=1311721217515167744 |date=1 October 2020 |title="The West tends to glorify these people as defenders of Hong Kong's freedoms, but they have done great harm to the city by going against its constitutional order and stirring up chaos and disaffection toward our motherland." The NYT has lost its mind. https://t.co/wu5rCMutr6 |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> [[Matt Taibbi]]<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Taibbi |first=Matt |user=mtaibbi |number=1311844791525793794 |date=1 October 2020 |title=This rivals Tom Friedman's "In Three Holes" piece for worst Times editorial ever. https://t.co/og6tblpF9Y |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> and [[Brookings Institution]] senior fellow [[Shadi Hamid]] rejected the article's views, with Hamid stating that it was "what [[authoritarianism]] actually looks like".<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Hamid |first=Shadi |user=shadihamid |number=1311744086626439169 |date=1 October 2020 |title=Worse than the Tom Cotton oped, but with none of the staff revolt. This @nytimes oped from is what authoritarianism actually looks like, not the Trump version that pundits have been warning us about for 4 years which hasn't come and won't come: https://t.co/IXvWHkDyeH |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> [[Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies]] professors [[Hal Brands]]<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Brands |first=Hal |user=HalBrands |number=1311694087318368262 |date=1 October 2020 |title=Hmm...I wonder if NYT will apologize for running this op-ed, which is clearly so dangerous to the advocates of democracy and autonomy in Hong Kong. https://t.co/lQ7x5FhoRv |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> and [[Yascha Mounk]] rejected the article's premise, with Mounk writing that the op-ed was an example of "[[Institutional racism|systematic racism]] in [[History of American journalism|American journalism]]".<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Mounk |first=Yascha |user=Yascha_Mounk |number=1311693607162830849 |date=1 October 2020 |title=The boss of the NYT op-ed page was fired because he ran a controversial op-ed by a sitting U.S. Senator. But a few months later, a propagandist for an authoritarian regime gets to argue that a violent putdown of peaceful protests was needed in the same pages. This is just nuts. https://t.co/qDW1jLNSnm |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> [[Council on Foreign Relations]] senior fellow [[Meighan Stone]] expressed that the article depicted a [[false balance]] in favor of the Chinese government, specifically referencing the Chinese government's role in the [[Xinjiang re-education camps]] and the death of activist [[Liu Xiaobo]].<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Stone |first=Meighan |user=meighanstone |number=1311726385489235971 |date=1 October 2020 |title=Shame on @nytimes for "both sides-ism" on Chinese regime that imprisons Uighurs for "re-education" in over 380 detention facilities, arrests those who run for democratic office &amp; jailed 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Liu Xiaobo until his solitary death. https://t.co/YAiuArxQ5u |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> [[Harvard University]] [[Nieman Journalism Lab]] director [[Joshua Benton]] compared the article to [[Propaganda in Nazi Germany|Nazi propaganda]].<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Benton |first=Joshua |user=jbenton |number=1311847743879622656 |date=1 October 2020 |title=The Sudetenland Is Germany, Like It or Not https://t.co/9FGMQyUCi5 |language=en |access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref> Satirical news program [[China Uncensored]] also criticized the article, describing it as "lies and [[communist propaganda]]".<ref>{{cite tweet|author=China Uncensored|user=ChinaUncensored|number=1312364539141332993|date=3 October 2020|title=The New York Times is publishing literal Chinese propaganda. This was written by Hong Kong Executive Councilwoman and quisling Regina Ip. This isn't diverse political opinion. It's lies and communist propaganda. https://t.co/DUxBR69VKm|language=en|access-date=24 December 2020}}</ref>

=== BN(O) and dual citizenship===
In October 2020, SCMP reported that Ip has previously said that if the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China|Chinese foreign ministry]] imposes restrictions on Hong Kong [[British National (Overseas) passport|BN(O) passports]], then the Hong Kong Immigration Department may instruct airline companies to stop issuing tickets to those with BN(O) passports.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-23|title=China threatens to stop recognising BN(O) passports after Britain's visa move|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3106839/china-takes-issue-british-visa-policy-hongkongers-and|access-date=2020-10-24|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024012424/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3106839/china-takes-issue-british-visa-policy-hongkongers-and|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2021, SCMP reported that the move to ban BN(O) passports has left ethnic minorities without a valid passport, as many have encountered issues while applying for a Hong Kong passport.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-02|title=Hong Kong's ethnic minority groups stranded with just BN(O) passports|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3120127/hong-kong-bno-official-rejection-passports-leaves-many|access-date=2021-02-02|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=9 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209025551/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3120127/hong-kong-bno-official-rejection-passports-leaves-many|url-status=live}}</ref> The move would practically stop the freedom of these Hong Kong citizens from leaving Hong Kong.

In January 2021, Ip wrote an opinion article on SCMP, stating that those with dual passports in Hong Kong should choose between their non-Hong Kong citizenship or their right of abode in Hong Kong, saying that those who choose their non-Hong Kong foreign citizenship "could also lose the right of abode in Hong Kong and the attendant right to vote in Hong Kong elections."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-10|title=Time for Hongkongers to decide who they really are|url=https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3116906/hongkongers-who-decide-leave-its-time-they-had-choose-foreign|access-date=2021-01-10|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=10 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110114733/https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3116906/hongkongers-who-decide-leave-its-time-they-had-choose-foreign|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=HK people should choose between China and foreign countries: Regina Ip |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/163049/HK-people-should-choose-between-China-and-foreign-countries:-Regina-Ip |work=The Standard |date=10 January 2021}}</ref> This is despite the fact that high-level government officials, including [[Carrie Lam]], [[Tam Yiu-chung]], and [[Tung Chee-hwa]] have children with foreign citizenship.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-04|title=Hong Kong's ruling elite fight to extinguish freedom whilst clutching foreign passports, money and property abroad|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/04/hong-kongs-ruling-elite-fight-to-extinguish-freedom-whilst-clutching-foreign-passports-money-and-property-abroad/|access-date=2021-01-10|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=3 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903090754/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/04/hong-kongs-ruling-elite-fight-to-extinguish-freedom-whilst-clutching-foreign-passports-money-and-property-abroad/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ip mentions that her suggestion was just a proposal and she did not raise the issue with the Hong Kong SAR government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3117128/pro-establishment-figure-calls-curbs-dual-citizenship-hong?li_source=LI&li_medium=homepage_int_edition_top_picks_for_you|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210111075915/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3117128/pro-establishment-figure-calls-curbs-dual-citizenship-hong?li_source=LI&li_medium=homepage_int_edition_top_picks_for_you|archive-date = 11 January 2021|title = Pro-establishment figure calls for curbs on Hongkongers obtaining dual citizenship|date = 10 January 2021}}</ref>

In February 2021, ''[[Hong Kong Free Press]]'' reported that around 7,000 people had emigrated from Hong Kong to the UK since June 2020, with Ip claiming those people had "no money, skills or education".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-02|title=Pro-Beijing lawmaker criticises UK over extended residency rights for Hongkongers, claims those who left have 'no skills or education'|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2021/02/02/pro-beijing-lawmaker-criticises-uk-over-extended-residency-rights-for-hongkongers-claims-those-who-left-have-no-skills-or-education/|access-date=2021-02-03|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623142955/https://hongkongfp.com/2021/02/02/pro-beijing-lawmaker-criticises-uk-over-extended-residency-rights-for-hongkongers-claims-those-who-left-have-no-skills-or-education/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2021, Ip said that those in Hong Kong who use the BN(O) passport for working holiday visa applications to 14 countries should be denied the ability to fly on airlines by the government.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Deny airline boarding if working holiday applicants use BN(O), suggests Beijing loyalist ｜ Apple Daily|url=https://hk.appledaily.com/news/20210327/XSL6NZ4F4ZHMRIPJ5LWOLDJ73Q/|access-date=2021-03-29|website=Apple Daily 蘋果日報|language=zh-hk|archive-date=27 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327153103/https://hk.appledaily.com/news/20210327/XSL6NZ4F4ZHMRIPJ5LWOLDJ73Q/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Overseas voting ===
While discussing a proposal to allow overseas Hong Kongers to vote, Ip gave her reasoning for not allowing all overseas Hong Kongers to vote, and only allowing those living in mainland China to vote. Ip said that under the "One country" principle, those who live in China should get first priority when it comes to overseas voting.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-27|title=EXCLUSIVE: Only 17% of Hongkongers approve of proposal to allow HK election voting in China despite Lam claim - HKFP-PORI poll|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/10/27/exclusive-only-17-of-hongkongers-approve-of-proposal-to-allow-hk-election-voting-in-china-despite-lam-claim-hkfp-pori-poll/|access-date=2020-10-28|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027072913/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/10/27/exclusive-only-17-of-hongkongers-approve-of-proposal-to-allow-hk-election-voting-in-china-despite-lam-claim-hkfp-pori-poll/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Separation of powers ===
{{Main|Separation of powers in Hong Kong}}
In October 2020, Ip claimed that Hong Kong has never had [[Separation of powers in Hong Kong|separation of powers]], and that government officials should reiterate that the city does not have it.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Beijing loyalist accuses British colonial government of "indoctrinating" Hongkongers with claims of separation of powers|url=https://hk.appledaily.com/news/20201029/NUAVDTXRUNHSDN3XR4JOHQQR2Q/|access-date=2020-10-29|website=Apple Daily 蘋果日報|language=zh-hk|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030062837/https://hk.appledaily.com/news/20201029/NUAVDTXRUNHSDN3XR4JOHQQR2Q/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Expulsion of Legislative Council members ===
In November 2020, following the [[2020 Hong Kong Legislative Council mass resignations|expulsion of 4 pro-democracy lawmakers]] in the Legislative Council, Ip defended the expulsion and said "They cannot be just democrats in name. They have to not only embrace true democratic values in the sense of respecting the rule of law and the rights of other people with whom they disagree, they also have to respect the sovereignty, security of our country."<ref name="news.rthk.hk">{{Cite web|title=Pan-dems have only themselves to blame: Regina Ip - RTHK|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1559509-20201111.htm?|access-date=2020-11-11|website=news.rthk.hk|language=en-gb|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111112153/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1559509-20201111.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, Ip said that "Time will tell that it was the right decision to take."<ref name="news.rthk.hk"/>

=== Arrests of pro-democracy figures ===
After the [[2021 arrests of Hong Kong pro-democracy primaries participants|arrest of 53 pro-democracy figures]] in January 2021, Ip defended the arrests, stating that their goal of taking control of the Legislative Council and not approving the budget would not be tolerated.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Pan-dems have to pay for crossing red line' - RTHK|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1569640-20210110.htm?|access-date=2021-01-10|website=news.rthk.hk|language=en-gb|archive-date=10 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110075615/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1569640-20210110.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Xinjiang ===
In March 2021, after some companies suspended the use of cotton from [[Xinjiang]] due to [[Xinjiang internment camps|human rights concerns]], Ip stated that those companies were spreading lies about Xinjiang, and that she would boycott Burberry.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-25|title=Hong Kong Cantopop singer Eason Chan cuts ties with Adidas after brands reject Xinjiang 'forced labour'|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2021/03/25/hong-kong-cantopop-singer-eason-chan-cuts-ties-with-adidas-after-brands-reject-forced-labour/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP|language=en-GB|archive-date=26 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326065409/https://hongkongfp.com/2021/03/25/hong-kong-cantopop-singer-eason-chan-cuts-ties-with-adidas-after-brands-reject-forced-labour/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ip claimed that she would not wear products from the brand "until Burberry has retracted or apologised for its unfounded allegations against Xinjiang."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2021-03-26|title=Eason Chan slammed by fans for cutting ties with Adidas amid Xinjiang cotton row|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3127160/fans-slam-canto-pop-star-eason-chan-cutting-ties-adidas-amid|access-date=2021-03-26|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=26 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326134525/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3127160/fans-slam-canto-pop-star-eason-chan-cutting-ties-adidas-amid|url-status=live}}</ref> After some people asked her to burn her scarves, Ip said that she would just "put them away for the time being".<ref name=":0" />

=== RTHK ===
In 2019, Ip said that [[RTHK]] should stop producing news in Chinese.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title='Avoid suppression claims by stopping RTHK services' - RTHK|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1585779-20210414.htm?|access-date=2021-04-14|website=news.rthk.hk|language=en-gb|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414151034/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1585779-20210414.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2021, Ip suggested that RTHK be shut down, and said that RTHK staff "often challenge the government's bottom line."<ref name=":1" />

=== LGBT and women's rights ===
Ip has expressed desires to legislate against [[discrimination against LGBT people]] and supported the city to host the 2022 [[Gay Games]]. She, however, stopped short of supporting the legalisation of [[same-sex marriage]] in Hong Kong. On other social issues, such as sexism, Ip has criticised the media for focusing on what she called "focusing on a female politician's hairstyle, clothing and make up" rather than her work and has expressed desire to reserve seats for women in election committees.<ref>{{cite news |title=Regina Ip: The "Iron Lady" who wants to lead Hong Kong |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-38391847 |access-date=16 May 2021 |agency=[[BBC]] |date=30 December 2016 |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516154434/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-38391847 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== COVID-19 ===
In March 2022, Ip argued that "dynamic zero-Covid" would be necessary in Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-06 |title=Hong Kong must execute "dynamic zero-Covid" strategy as intended |url=https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3169206/beat-covid-19-hong-kong-must-execute-dynamic-zero-infection |access-date=2022-08-07 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref>

In September 2022, Ip said that "It is difficult for the government to come up with a road map for its anti-epidemic strategies now."<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Regina Ip expects HK to adopt '0+0' scheme for travelers in October |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/195195/Regina-Ip-expects-HK-to-adopt-%E2%80%980+0%E2%80%99-scheme-for-travelers-in-October |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=The Standard |language=en}}</ref> Ip also dismissed concerns that international businesses had left Hong Kong due to its anti-epidemic policies.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Amber code for arrivals may go next month: Regina Ip - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1668796-20220928.htm? |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}}</ref> In contrast, the [[Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce]] conducted a survey, which showed that 10% of large enterprises had permanently left Hong Kong, and an additional 30% of large enterprises were considering leaving or had left in the first half of 2022.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2022-10-02 |title='10 per cent of corporations in Hong Kong have left, and they aren't looking back' |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3194568/coronavirus-departed-companies-not-looking-back |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Hong Kong's slowly lifted Covid policies continue to cause economic losses |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/195377/Hong-Kong%27s-slowly-lifted-Covid-policies-continue-to-cause-economic-losses |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=The Standard |language=en}}</ref> The CEO of the chamber called for an immediate lifting of all anti-epidemic entry restrictions into the city.<ref name=":5" />

=== Taiwan ===
In August 2022, after senior Hong Kong government officials, including John Lee, criticized [[2022 United States congressional delegation visit to Taiwan|Nancy Pelosi for visiting Taiwan]] and threatened to assist Beijing with "all necessary measures" to defend national sovereignty,<ref name=":6" /> Ip said ""Those in important positions of the government must share the nation's core values on sovereignty, national security, developmental interests and territorial integrity."<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2022-08-03 |title=Hong Kong leader vows to help safeguard nation after Pelosi visits Taiwan |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3187502/top-hong-kong-officials-politicians-slam-us-speaker-nancy |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> However, Ip made a seemingly contradictory statement and said that "Hong Kong has no role to play" in the countermeasures,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2022-08-07 |title=Hong Kong has "no role to play" in Beijing's measures against US, Regina Ip says |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3188001/beijings-measures-against-united-states-over-pelosis-taiwan |access-date=2022-08-07 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> and also said it was difficult to say how much power Hong Kong had on the issue.<ref name=":7" />

=== Hong Kong Golf Club ===
In August 2022, Ip fought against plans to build public housing on the Fanling golf course, used by the [[Hong Kong Golf Club]], of which Ip is a member.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-08-07 |title=Top Hong Kong government adviser attacks plan to build housing on golf course |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3188033/plan-build-public-housing-fanling-golf-course-not |access-date=2022-08-07 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> The plan to build housing there was generally favored by the public.<ref name=":2" /> Later in the month, [[Secretary for Development]] Bernadette Linn said that despite lobbying by Ip and the Hong Kong Golf Club, "The government, at this moment, is still fully committed to implementing this project and we have not changed our mind."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-29 |title=Authorities "fully committed" to plan for flats at luxury Hong Kong golf course |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3190526/authorities-fully-committed-public-housing |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref>

Despite being a member of the exclusive Hong Kong Golf Club, Ip said that she is "not a golfer", stating "I am not a golfer, but the 3 18-hole golf courses at Fanling are among the finest in Asia."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leung |first=Hillary |date=2022-09-06 |title=Be "cautious" with your words, Hong Kong centrist party tells gov't advisors who oppose golf course public housing plan |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/09/06/be-cautious-with-your-words-hong-kong-centrist-party-tells-govt-advisors-who-oppose-golf-course-public-housing-plan/ |access-date=2022-09-06 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Stamp duty ===
In August 2022, Ip proposed waiving double stamp duties for mainland Chinese without right of abode in the city, taxes implemented earlier to cool down demand and prices for [[housing in Hong Kong]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=HK says no plan to cut stamp duty after Regina Ip floats idea |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/193261/HK-says-no-plan-to-cut-stamp-duty-after-Regina-Ip-floats-idea |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=The Standard |language=en}}</ref> The government, within hours, responded that there were no plans to implement Ip's idea,<ref name=":3" /> and said "Regarding reports that the government is considering the relaxation of stamp duties for property, the government clarifies that there has not been discussion on the matter, and points out clearly that there are no relevant plans."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt stamps out speculation over property tax move - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1661598-20220809.htm? |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}}</ref> Stock prices of property developers jumped on the news, and Ip later said about the contradiction "the Bloomberg headline said the government had been considering it, so it caused some misunderstanding" and that she would "be more careful and explain things more clearly in the future for sure", without issuing an apology.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-13 |title=Hong Kong's Regina Ip vows to be more careful with comments after stock jump |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3188797/hong-kongs-regina-ip-pledges-be-more-careful-public |access-date=2022-08-13 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref>

[[Paul Chan Mo-po|Paul Chan]] reaffirmed the government's position, and later announced that there would be "no plan or intention" to reduce measures to cool down demand, against Ip's suggestion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-21 |title=Hong Kong finance chief says "no plan" to scrap property cooling measures |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3189652/hong-kong-finance-chief-says-no-plan-or-intention |access-date=2022-08-21 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref>

=== Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit ===
In October 2022, after several US lawmakers warned US financial executives to not attend the [[Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit]], Ip said that "There are no human rights abuses in Hong Kong and accusations of export of "illiberal world order" are totally baseless."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-28 |title=Hong Kong's finance chief, hit by Covid, aims to attend banking summit in person |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3197640/hong-kongs-finance-chief-vows-do-his-best-and-attend-banking-summit-person-after-contracting-covid |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref>

=== Extradition ===
In November 2022, Ip said that the [[Hong Kong national security law|national security law]] has jurisdiction outside of Hong Kong, and that Hong Kong could extradite suspects from South Korea to Hong Kong.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Anthem mistake is unacceptable: John Lee - RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1675649-20221115.htm? |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=news.rthk.hk |language=en-gb}}</ref> Ip made the comments in reference to an incident where Glory to Hong Kong was played in a rugby match in South Korea.<ref name=":8" />

==Personal life==
Ip married engineer Sammy Ip Man-ho (1935–1997) in 1981. Their marriage was opposed by Sammy Ip's family. Sammy Ip was the son of Ip Ching-ping, founder of the Ching Hing Construction Company. Sammy Ip has a sister, [[Henrietta Ip|Henrietta]], who was a member of the Legislative Council (1982–1991). {{Citation needed|date=November 2019}} The couple has a daughter, Cynthia Ip Wing-yan, who was born in 1989. Sammy Ip died of [[liver cancer]] in 1997.<ref>[http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1540862/cy-leungs-daughter-chai-yan-should-seek-help-her-family-regina-ip Regina Ip's daughter recalls the pain of the spotlight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627152738/http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1540862/cy-leungs-daughter-chai-yan-should-seek-help-her-family-regina-ip |date=27 June 2014 }}, ''South China Morning Post'', 27 June 2014</ref>

Ip has a personal driver who tested positive for Covid-19 in February 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Standard|first=The|title=Domestic helper of John Lee Ka-chiu tests positive for Covid-19|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/187160/Domestic-helper-of-John-Lee-Ka-chiu-tests-positive-for-Covid-19-|access-date=2022-02-15|website=The Standard|language=en}}</ref>

== Property ownership ==
According to Ip's declaration of assets as of January 2022, Ip owns 2 residential units, 4 parking spaces, and 1 industrial unit in Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-17|title=How well can Hong Kong's affluent lawmakers represent ordinary residents?|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3163506/hong-kongs-new-lawmakers-are-mostly-affluent-homeowners|access-date=2022-01-18|website=South China Morning Post|language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[New People's Party (Hong Kong)]]
*[[Politics of Hong Kong]]

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Regina Ip}}
*[http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1801874832/bctid1808183368 Regina Ip outlines her LegCo agenda]

{{S-start}}
{{S-civ}}
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{{S-ttl|title=[[Director of Immigration]]|years=1996–1998}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Ambrose Lee]]}}
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{{S-bef|before=[[Peter Lai Hing-ling|Peter Lai]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Secretary for Security]]|years=1998–2003}}
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{{S-ttl|title =  Convenor of the Non-official Members  [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|Executive Council]]|years=2022–present}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Chairman of the [[Savantas Policy Institute]]|years=2006–present}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Chairperson of [[New People's Party (Hong Kong)|New People's Party]]|years=2011–present}}
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{{S-ttl|title = Member of Legislative Council|district=[[Hong Kong Island (constituency)|Hong Kong Island]]|years = 2008–2021}}
{{s-non|reason=Constituency abolished}}
{{S-new|Constituency}}
{{S-ttl|title = Member of Legislative Council|district=[[Hong Kong Island West (2021 constituency)|Hong Kong Island West]]|years = 2022–present}}
{{s-inc}}
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{{s-ttl|title=[[Hong Kong order of precedence]]<br /><small>'' Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council''</small>}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Warner Cheuk]]<br /><small>''Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration''</small>}}
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{{HKExco}}
{{HKLegco}}
{{Candidates in the Hong Kong Chief Executive election, 2012}}
{{Candidates in the Hong Kong Chief Executive election, 2017}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ip, Regina}}
[[Category:1950 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Glasgow]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Government officials of Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Stanford University alumni]]
[[Category:Women members of the Executive Council of Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Gold Bauhinia Star]]
[[Category:New People's Party (Hong Kong) politicians]]
[[Category:Members of the Executive Council of Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Hong Kong civil servants]]
[[Category:Hong Kong Christians]]
[[Category:Hong Kong people of Singaporean descent]]
[[Category:HK LegCo Members 2008–2012]]
[[Category:HK LegCo Members 2012–2016]]
[[Category:HK LegCo Members 2016–2021]]
[[Category:HK LegCo Members 2022–2025]]
[[Category:Hong Kong pro-Beijing politicians]]
[[Category:Hong Kong justices of the peace]]
[[Category:Female defence ministers]]
[[Category:21st-century Hong Kong women politicians]]