For more than half a century, the bouncy figure of Mickey Mouse has been a symbol of innocent childish fun. The elevation of an animal which is generally loathed to the status of a beloved international icon is no accident; Walt Disney and the men who succeeded him in building the global entertainment empire are shrewd, astute and hard-headed businessmen whose devotion to bottom-line profits should never be forgotten.
Does Hong Kong need or want a Disneyland? I believe we do. But I also believe our administration must deal with the Disney executives with the utmost caution. This is no Mickey Mouse deal. Before they sign any agreement, our negotiators must be convinced the terms are just, fair and reasonable. We have to be fair to Mickey, but Disney has got to be reasonable with us. Both sides have to reap benefits.
The proposal to build a Disney theme park on Lantau is an extremely complex matter. The impact on transport, property prices, the labour market, tourism and public finances will be enormous. They must not be misjudged nor mishandled; the spectre of Chek Lap Kok hangs like a fiscal ghost over the administration. We don't want another debacle.
The juicy prospect of Disney coming to Hong Kong is as tempting as a piece of cheese on a mouse trap. We have got to take the bait without being caught by any unforeseen consequences.
The initial reaction to Mickey Mouse setting up shop in Penny's Bay is attractive. James Lu Shien-hwai the executive director of the Hong Kong Hotels Association, points out that a Disney theme park on Lantau would give an international stamp of approval to the SAR.
If it's good enough for Mickey Mouse, Mr Lu points out, then other global corporations which have nothing to do with entertainment or tourism will think it is good enough for them. And that will be good for us.
