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Hong Kong needs a political giant of the same calibre as Lee Kuan Yew. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong needs strong leader to save our core values

The passing away of Singapore's first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew reminds us of the success of a world-renowned politician, and makes us reflect on the present situation of Hong Kong.

Unlike Singapore, Hong Kong's stability and prosperity are now threatened by increasingly violent public protests. Police officers have been bullied and beaten by rowdy protesters. Law enforcers, whose duty it is to protect citizens' well-being, have become the victims of hooligans. What has become of social justice in Hong Kong?

Protesting legislators, who ignored regulations in the Legco chamber, set a bad example. This spreads like a virus to other sectors of society and upsets social stability. The people involved in these activities cause problems for shop owners, tourists and ordinary citizens. Has the violation of law and order become part of everyday life in the city? Surely politicians should put public interests before their political agendas?

Hong Kong is a great international city. Yet today, we see our core values fast disappearing. Freedom has been abused to fulfil people's selfish vested interests.

Democracy has been hijacked to achieve the objectives of political parties. Important principles are usurped and the rule of law - the cornerstone of our city - suffers.

While complex socio-political problems cannot be easily solved, we can learn from Singapore's successful administration.

Its paternalistic government, criticised for being autocratic and heavy-handed, has kept Singaporeans disciplined through generations. As a Chinese saying goes, "Severe punishments must be adopted in times of social chaos." Our efficient police force should find the trouble-makers who should face tough punishments through the courts.

Hong Kong people have to be reminded of the virtues of a harmonious society that we treasure so much. The need to temper freedom of expression with tolerance, instead of violence, cannot be emphasised enough.

The march of thousands of African Americans fighting for their voting rights at Selma, Alabama, 50 years ago, led by Martin Luther King who knelt down and prayed when confronting state troopers before the marchers retreated quietly, showed that peaceful demonstration is the way to eventual victory. In public education, an unbiased media has an important role to play.

However, Hong Kong does not have a strong government. We can only hope that a political giant, with the kind of knowledge, dedication and vision Lee Kuan Yew possessed, will emerge to lead Hong Kong out of the current turmoil.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Hong Kong needs strong leader to save our core values
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