Agnes Chow’s by-election disqualification robs us all of a debate on Hong Kong’s future
Mike Rowse says the decision to bar Agnes Chow from participating in the Legislative Council by-election has deprived the community of a debate on Hong Kong’s future after Article 5 of the Basic Law lapses in 2047
I just cannot foresee a time when the NPC will repeal or amend Article 1, for example, which states unambiguously that the Hong Kong SAR is an inalienable part of China. While it is true that the promise of no change (to the capitalist system and way of life) in Article 5 lapses after 50 years – hence the reference to 2047 – there is no concomitant commitment to swing immediately to a socialist economy and abandon our legal system or other aspects of our life.
Hong Kong, Taiwan and the 19th Party Congress
Secondly, if there is ever a review – whether before, during or after 2047 – of how Hong Kong should be governed, then the outcome will be a matter for the 1.4 billion people of the whole of China, not just the seven million residents of our city.
Can Beijing’s power to interpret Hong Kong’s Basic Law ever be questioned?
The place to argue out political issues is in the political arena, not behind closed doors. And where better and at what better time than an election when everyone is focused on the matter at hand. There are many in our community who have misunderstandings about what options are and are not on the table for our future. The facts need to be fully aired in public so that, together, we can make realistic plans. The foolish ruling has denied the whole community the opportunity of that debate.
Xi is the undisputed leader of China, the world’s most populous nation with the largest standing army and the second-largest economy. He is the most powerful Chinese leader for decades, and arguably the most powerful man in the world since the United States weakened itself by electing the erratic Donald Trump. But his subordinates have, in effect, told the whole world that he is frightened of a 21-year-old’s immature political ideas. He may never forgive them.
Mike Rowse is the CEO of Treloar Enterprises. [email protected]