Asian Angle | Facebook posts, iPhone queues ... why is Hong Kong’s leader even bothered about popularity?
Last week, pictures circulated online of Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in a white Polo shirt and casual khakis, standing in a queue. A few days later, he confirmed its veracity on his Facebook page.
Netizens swiftly condemned him for what they saw as a publicity stunt to show he is a man of the people. If that was his intention though, the bid backfired. It was a queue for the new iPhone 7. He said he needed one because someone at home had broken an iPhone 6. Since Apple’s latest phone costs more than one third of the median monthly income of HK$15,000, that day in the life of the chief executive was not as relatable as he might have hoped.
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Of course, Leung would hardly be the first politician to wait in line, literally, to present himself as a regular Joe. But this cameo appearance at the Apple store did not score as many points as Barack Obama slurping noodles in Hanoi with celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. Or Xi Jinping (習近平) tucking into dumplings and sipping beer in a pub – everyday acts apparently so novel for a Chinese leader that they break the internet.
Hong Kong’s chief executive has been starved of lucky breaks and seems incapable of creating one. Every move Leung makes is met with derision from many quarters. He is deeply unpopular, if opinion polls and conversations with ordinary folk are any indication. Yet, he is said to be contemplating a second term. If so, it is not surprising that he is trying to salvage his popularity.
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There are many examples to learn from. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, for instance, changed the colour of her hair and had a voice coach from the National Theatre help her soften her image. She even got advice from stage and screen legend Laurence Olivier on how to deliver her prepared speeches with more passion and authenticity.