Protesters claim to speak for majority but often represent only themselves
Many societies struggle relentlessly for more freedoms, and Hong Kong is no exception.
Yet protests here, many of which are done in the name of the majority, involve only a minority and, more often than not, go against the wishes of the general populace.
Recently, University of Hong Kong vice chancellor Tsui Lap-chee announced his resignation, which I believe was due to protests from a small group of students. I would surmise that the majority of HKU students had little interest, if any, in how he handled the visit by Vice-Premier Li Keqiang . Most of them were probably too busy with their hectic schedules to actively form an opinion on the subject.
Another recent incident that shows the few overriding the many is the case of the individual opposed to the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge. By protesting against the bridge on the grounds that environmental impacts were not considered, Chu Yee-wah managed to delay construction work. By the time the Court of Appeal overturned a judge's ruling in favour of Ms Chu, the cost of the bridge had increased by [at least] HK$6.5 billion, an astronomical sum that taxpayers will ultimately have to pay.
Another example of self-centred initiatives is strike action by taxi drivers. In 2008, New Territories cabbies threatened to strike if the government did not allow fare rises. Had they gone through with the threat, traffic would have come to a standstill. Shop owners and other road users would have been adversely affected.
The Occupy Wall Street protests are one more example of this selfish behaviour. Even in Hong Kong, there is a group called Occupy Central. Such actions are examples of small minorities protesting against their unfortunate circumstances. While they say that they are fighting for the rights of the '99 per cent', they are in effect trying to get more for themselves. The large majority of people do not have time to attend these protests: they have to work or study.
Is Hong Kong in dire need of more freedom? If so, what sort of freedom do we desire? To me, it seems preposterous to demand more, as I am completely content with the status quo. I enjoy the freedom to speak, write, and vote in this city.
The bottom line is that fighting for freedom is important; however, it is infinitely more important to realise that no single group can represent the whole.
Ho Kam-tong, Yuen Long
