Reform package's defeat is a time for hope, not despair, in Hong Kong

A chapter has closed on Hong Kong's fight for universal suffrage following the defeat of the government's electoral reform package in the Legislative Council yesterday. But as we turn the page, an even more daunting challenge looms. The disputes over the past 20 months have deeply divided the community. We need to put aside the political differences, build bridges and find a way to move forward.

The government's failure to get the reform package passed was a foregone conclusion. The 27 pan-democrats and an independent lawmaker kept to their script and voted against it. What was surprising, though, was the farce within the pro-establishment camp. In what is believed to have been a colossal strategic miscalculation to delay the death knell for the package, most Beijing-friendly legislators deliberately stayed away from the chamber while the five-minute voting bell rang. The package was eventually rejected with just eight votes in favour.

The drama may have added spice to what otherwise would have been an uneventful debate. The shorter-than-expected proceedings might also have helped avert the gathering of large crowds outside the Legco complex. Although emotions ran high occasionally, the rallies staged by the opponents and supporters of the reform package were, thankfully, largely peaceful.

The almost comical end to the debate in Legco, however, has done nothing to remove the uncertainties that we now face. Not only has the opportunity for greater democracy - however flawed - been wasted, the city's governance and relations with the central government are also left in doubt. It is unclear whether Beijing will further tighten control over the city. Since the landmark July 1 protest in 2003 against national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law, Beijing has widely been seen as having dropped its softly-softly approach towards Hong Kong's affairs in favour of a tougher stance. But the change in tack has apparently backfired, as reflected in the strong show of discontent during the Occupy protests last year. If opinion polls are any reference, public trust in the central government remains low. It is in the interest of both sides to improve relations.

Yesterday's outcome does not spell the end of Hong Kong's quest for universal suffrage. People's aspiration for democracy will not disappear because of this setback. It is good to hear that the central government remains committed to implementing universal suffrage in Hong Kong and upholding the one country, two systems principle.