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New Year’s resolutions for a better Hong Kong – if only we can keep them
Mike Rowse says that in 2018, Beijing should resolve to respect Hong Kong’s autonomy, and the Hong Kong government should show it deserves such freedom by working for the people’s interest
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It’s the time of year for making resolutions to guide behaviour during the next 12 months to improve ourselves. Before I make another set for myself, I thought I would make resolutions for the parties shaping life in Hong Kong.
We should start with the central people’s government and its representatives in the special administrative region, especially bearing in mind the recent emphasis on comprehensive jurisdiction.
Resolution No 1 should be to have confidence in local administration, and in the common sense of the Hong Kong people. We know and accept that we are part of China and independence is a non-starter, so let us get on with Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong.
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This leads to resolution No 2: refrain from micromanaging the city and commenting publicly on every issue. The correct answer to most media enquiries in the next 12 months: “We have every confidence that the SAR government will handle this issue competently.”
For the powers that be in Tamar, resolution No 1 should be to show the people of Hong Kong you are always on their side, and willing to take on vested interests where required. The long delay in reforming the Medical Council was outrageous. Not taking on the taxi cartel amounts to abdication. Most urgently, the government has to demonstrate that it is not in hock to the Heung Yee Kuk or property developers.
Government must stand up against the Heung Yee Kuk for the public good
All the land in Hong Kong belongs to the state – it says so in the Basic Law. Power to manage those assets on behalf of the central government has been delegated to you. Manage rural areas in the best interests of all the people, not a privileged few. Send the small-house policy to join the dodo.
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