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Chris Yeung

WHEN ANGRY construction workers seeking unpaid wages stormed a site office in Yau Tong last month, their violent clash with the police set alarm bells ringing in the corridors of power.

The government moved swiftly to bring union leaders together to seek ways to resolve such disputes. Within days, a new early-warning system and a stepping up of site inspections was announced in an attempt to prevent similar incidents. But it has also raised broader concerns about social harmony.

Central Policy Unit (CPU) head Lau Siu-kai has said the confrontation was a warning sign of impending social crisis.

In a recent interview with a Chinese-language newspaper, Professor Lau spoke about a new CPU study group aimed at fostering a cohesive community. It would be an 'observatory for public opinion', he said.

'It will be a device to give early warning of impacts on society. It will also raise the political alertness of Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa,' he added.

Chinese University academic Kuan Hsin-chi, who convenes the CPU panel of 13 community figures, said the study would take about a year to complete and a report would be submitted to the government for reference.

The panellists include university lecturers, leaders from social service and union groups, Bar Association chairman Alan Leong Kah-kit, SC, businessmen and media executives.

Hong Kong has traditionally been a stable society, relatively free from social tensions. But pressures have been mounting, largely due to the economic problems which have beset the SAR.

Since the Asian financial crisis of 1997, Mr Tung has found himself dwelling on the need for solidarity and community spirit. He first raised the issue in his 1998 Policy Address.  Drawing on the image of mainlanders battling severe floods that year, he said: 'As we in Hong Kong face one of the most severe challenges in our recent history, I deeply believe that, if we can show the same spirit of strength, courage, solidarity and concern for our fellow citizens, we will be able to overcome our present difficulties and build a brighter future.'

He developed the theme in his 2000 address, warning of a 'change of community attitudes'.

'People are more inclined to adopt a mood of scepticism and criticism - even belittling the capabilities of our own people. I am also aware that many of our citizens are tired of this. Most want a society with greater harmony, less hostility, less unnecessary quarrelling but more rational discussion,' he said.

Last year, announcing the setting up of a $300 million Community Investment and Inclusion Fund aimed at encouraging mutual-help projects within the community, Mr Tung said he hoped it would enhance social cohesion and strengthen community networks.

Then, in his inaugural address on July 1 at the start of his second term, Mr Tung sought to impress on the community the notion of a 'common destiny' to help bridge the gap between himself and the people.

'Fellow citizens, Hong Kong is facing unprecedented difficulties. To all of you, this is a momentous challenge. In the process of coping with these difficulties, you and I have strengthened our bond,' he said.

One of the concerns is that society has become increasingly polarised, leading to a lack of objective debate.

City University political scientist Cheung Chor-yung, one of the CPU study group members, recalled his recent experience co-hosting a radio phone-in programme. He said debates on some of the key issues had been so divisive they bordered on irrationality.

Dr Cheung said the issues concerned included the right-of-abode affair, the pay and benefits of the civil service versus those in the private sector, the interests of the middle class, and welfare benefits.

'Some of these contradictions stemmed from concrete issues. But more importantly, it is a problem about attitude and perception,' he said. 'For instance, many people who suffer from negative equity no longer trust the government. They criticise anything Mr Tung does without making objective analysis.'

He said it was not uncommon to have differences of opinion in an open society. However, he added: 'The government may hold the view that things will be tough for some time. [But] there will be trouble ahead if nothing is done.'

Dr Cheung admitted he was not an expert on the issue of social cohesiveness, and had no idea what answers the study group would find. He said any solution would have to involve multiple approaches to deal with the grass-roots causes of social discord.

Hong Kong has been a society free from sharp social conflicts and intense political rivalries. Nor have racial and cultural differences been a serious concern.

The wealth gap has existed for decades, during which time many people went from rags to riches. The vibrant media and aggressive non-governmental organisations have provided effective checks and balances on the government and helped channel the public's opinions to the powers that be. Diversity and pluralism have become entrenched in the culture of the SAR. But in recent years, more people have found some of these longstanding advantages for Hong Kong have become disadvantages. This has contributed to a weakening of the cohesiveness of society.

Cases abound. Where once mainland migrants were seen as fuelling the SAR's economic success, they are now seen as a liability.

Civil servants, previously hailed as the greatest asset of Hong Kong, are now often perceived more as a financial burden rather than as efficient providers of public services.

Middle-class people, who in the past have been more concerned about room for upward mobility than their entitlements to government services, have begun to ask whether they get a fair share of the public-spending pie.

While the rich complain about people's increasing envy of their success, the underprivileged blame their plight on social injustice and inequality in the system.

Moreover, some critics - from both within and outside the government - blame the media and some non-governmental organisations for splitting society on issues such as the right of abode and civil service pay cuts.

The contradictions may all be part of the more lively public debate taking place in Hong Kong as it becomes more open and transparent. But the fact they have become a growing concern reflects the depth of bewilderment and anxiety among the populace about their core values, common goals and the way of life they want. As the study group gets down to business, it is the building of consensus on the basics that will hold society together during times of adversity.

Chris Yeung is the Post's

political editor

cyeung@scmp.com



The cracks are beginning to show