How ‘one country, two systems’ is tearing Beijing and Hong Kong further apart
Michael Chugani says cross-party fraternity in Hong Kong politics, as sought by Carrie Lam, is a fantasy, as it would be political suicide for the opposition to cosy up to the establishment in such a polarised society
I knew at the time only those living in never-never land would believe in such fantasy. Reconciliation will never happen because Lam’s wish would be a death wish for the opposition. That’s why even her charm offensive didn’t win her a political honeymoon.
Don’t be lulled into thinking last week’s overtures by some opposition legislators signalled an end to acrimony with the establishment.
They are the opposition and will remain so in perpetuity
To understand why it’s political suicide for the opposition to cosy up to the establishment, we must first accurately define its members. We have inaccurately labelled them as pan-democrats or pro-democracy. They are the opposition and will remain so in perpetuity under our executive-led government.
When the constitution doesn’t allow you a crack at governing, the only path to votes in a highly polarised society is to oppose.
Our first post-handover chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, found that out the hard way.
A businessman turned political leader who foolishly believed Hongkongers would patriotically unite upon freedom from the chains of colonial rule, he was driven from office when half a million took to the streets.
