The huge turnout of more than 80,000 people at the June 4 candle-lit vigil in Victoria Park last week was the people's response to the central government's decision to tighten its control over Hong Kong. Many attended because they could not forgive or forget the Beijing massacre which took place 15 years ago, but many more took part because they regarded it as a sign of protest against diminishing freedoms.
Just hours earlier, I attended a forum in the park to discuss the June 4 massacre and constitutional reforms in Hong Kong. One audience member said that the next time people march to the Central Liaison Office in Western district to protest, instead of urging the crowd to disburse right away, organisers should direct people to stage a two-hour sit-in. He said the objective was to step up pressure to strengthen protesters' demands.
Since Beijing decided in April to rule out direct elections in Hong Kong in 2007 and 2008, the political atmosphere has become very tense. On top of this, the central authorities do not want Hong Kong people to march on July 1 or vote for pro-democracy politicians in the September Legislative Council election.
Beijing's high-handed decision has filled many people with revulsion and despair. Thus, some are pressing for a more radical form of protest. I agree that Hong Kong should send a strong message to Beijing about the people's determination to preserve freedoms and fight for democracy. However, we should not resort to measures which will paralyse the traffic or create huge inconvenience. Last July, people showed they were prepared to stand up for their rights, and hundreds of thousands are expected to march again this year. However, some may stay away if there are signs of violence or disturbance. Last year, there was not a single incident. This sense of responsibility and self-restraint was much admired by the international community. It also sent a powerful signal about the people's unity and sense of purpose. Thus, the best way forward is to insist that people protest peacefully, with dignity, determination and self-restraint.
Looking to the Legco election, people should be psychologically prepared for a long, hot summer filled with political struggle, scandals, smear tactics and possibly even violence. This is because the mainland authorities are intervening to influence the result. Most people of my generation are not used to communist-style politics, and arrangements under 'one country, two systems' are intended to shield the special administrative region from such practices.
Now that Beijing has intervened, the shield has been removed and the local people have no choice but to deal directly with the central government. In so doing, Hong Kong people are like babes in the wood. Faced with the communist regime and its arbitrary way of doing things, many are very worried. This is a big challenge.