The bright side of localism: Hong Kong’s finance minister sees a constructive sense of pride
John Tsang says localism can be a force for good, contrasting sharply with government’s usual stance against protectionism and pro-independence trend
Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah has put a positive spin on the rise of localism in Hong Kong, citing its potential to become a “strong and constructive force” that binds society together, rather than looking at it as a destructive trend.
Tsang’s line also contrasted sharply with Beijing’s preference for nationalism over localism, but he stopped short of addressing the anti-mainland, pro-independence trend among the youth which has particularly alarmed both the local and central governments.
Tsang compared localism with the alumi’s sense of belonging at his secondary school, La Salle College, in Kowloon City.
“They are common ... [in that it is] a strong passion and sense of pride for one’s own identity, tradition and culture. Such a sentiment exists everywhere – from as big as a country and a race to as a small as a school,” Tsang wrote.
“I believe this emotional attachment and sense of pride, too, exists among all Hongkongers. Our deep sentiment in Hong Kong can be united as a strong and constructive force.”