Secretive deal on Hong Kong Palace Museum will further erode trust in authorities
Vivienne Chow is deeply disappointed by the lack of public consultation on the project, not least because it runs counter to the vision for the West Kowloon Cultural District, where the museum will be located
As it turns out, her idea of a gift is very different from that of many Hongkongers. The deal immediately drew controversy – a reminder of how deeply torn society has become post 1997.
The issue is divisive. Those who support the project accuse detractors of failing to understand the cultural and historical significance of the Palace Museum. To their mind, exhibiting some of the world’s most precious Chinese works of art in Hong Kong will not only enrich the city’s cultural life, but also raise its profile and boost tourism. Some even attack critics for their “lack of love” for the nation.
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The problem here, however, is not about the worth of the Palace Museum collection, or even the extent of anti-China sentiment in Hong Kong. It is about how the deal was reached.
Since it was first proposed in the late 1990s, the West Kowloon Cultural District project has been hit with numerous setbacks, delays and budget overruns. Nonetheless, over the years, the project managers have strived to be accountable to the public and the stakeholders. This was the reason the single development approach collapsed in 2006, and a statutory body was set up in 2008 to oversee its development, following the recommendation of a consultative committee.
Lam has certainly raised her political capital by showing her loyalty to the central government