OpinionIneffective pan-democratic movement has to grow up for sake of the people
Albert Cheng says forum invitation to pro-Beijing speaker to discuss Occupy Central was an ill-advised move that exposed a worrying naivety
If you are involved in a people’s movement, you must first believe in the people. The Alliance for True Democracy, a coalition of the pan-democrats to fight for true universal suffrage, held a forum on political reform on Sunday.
A similar event last month had to be called off when government supporters disrupted proceedings. But this time the organisers held firm despite heckling from members of the pro-government Caring Hong Kong Power.
To ensure the event had an overtly balanced representation, organisers invited outspoken pro-Beijing businessman Lew Mon-hung, a former member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, to speak. Of course, the focus of discussion was Occupy Central, planned for July next year.
It takes no effort to guess what Lew would say; his overly protective stance towards Beijing and the establishment is well-reported.
Not only would his points be predictable and uninspiring – Lew himself is currently being investigated by the Independent Commission Against Corruption on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. It was utterly inappropriate to have invited him to the forum.
Having Lew present not only tainted the integrity of the event, but also gave him an opportunity to blow his own trumpet and raise his political status.