My TakeCalls to relaunch political reform process are fraught with danger
In theory, Ronny Tong and Regina Ip are right that this would be the best way to silence advocates of independence; in reality, it would only work in the most unlikely circumstances that Beijing loosens up or “loyalists” rule in Legco
Two prominent politicians across the ideological divide have counselled on the need to relaunch political reform if calls by radicals for Hong Kong’s independence are to be nipped in the bud.
They are probably right. But it’s also hard to see a viable way out of the current impasse.
On his return from Beijing on a semi-official visit, Ronny Tong Ka-wah, founder of the think tank Path of Democracy, said people resorted to extreme measures because they could not see any way forward.
“The solution should come from restarting constitutional reform,” said Tong, a former Civic Party lawmaker.
“If Hong Kong has political development, extreme ideologies won’t be accepted by most people.”
Commenting in a similar vein, former security chief and Executive Council member Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said: “If Hong Kong reaches agreement on the chief executive election by universal suffrage, that would greatly strengthen Hong Kong people’s voice in ‘one country, two systems’ and strengthen confidence … and build consensus.”