In our name, in our hearts
Twelve years ago, 50-some people who shared a common interest and vision came forward with a commitment to Hong Kong - making it a better home for everyone. More have joined this purpose and today the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong has more than 2,000 members. We began with one legislative councillor. Today we have 10. From four district branch offices, we have built 12 more.
We have devoted a lot of our resources, albeit limited, to directly serving the community, making sure that we can help improve the overall quality of life. There are times when it is as simple as a phone call, but more often than not, it takes more, sometimes requiring the co-ordinating of an entire campaign to demand the protection of residents' rights. At the end of the day, however, it is about being part of the community, and the commitment to serving the community.
As the party and our friends celebrate our special day with us, I want to pay tribute, especially to our many colleagues and volunteers who I see working and never complaining. These people seek no attention or special honour, but their work and their commitment are essential to my party.
These unsung heroes of the community, not just the DAB, have suffered in the party's recent setback, beginning with last year's district council elections. The DAB is often misunderstood as a party without ideals or principles. The biased label of 'pro-Beijing' has been stuck on, and the DAB has been banned from ever being considered a proponent of democracy. This is unfair. I am not trying to say that the DAB has no flaws, or has not made mistakes. There were many instances where we could have made better judgment calls, and perhaps even more times when we could have better conveyed our message to the public. We, like others, are not close to outgrowing our 'room for improvement' in any extent. We, however, learn from our mistakes and actively seek ways to improve. The DAB was set up to see that 'one country, two systems' and 'Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong' are successful. More than that, we hold democracy close to our hearts. We always have - it is in our name. The party is a proponent for democracy as much as the opposition. The difference is that we believe democracy that comes with stability is absolutely necessary in Hong Kong. The DAB wants universal suffrage. We want it as quickly as possible, and we are determined to get it properly.
We recognise that there are many voices in the community calling for the same thing: democracy. We all know that it can be achieved in different ways and that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' formula. We believe democracy with stability, harmony and solidarity is the best way forward.
We are not here for fame or glory - none of us do this, day in and day out, to become a martyr. We are here to see that, together with the community, we build a democracy that is best for Hong Kong. We are here to make sure that everyone can be entitled to their own views. We are here to defend their rights.
We have come a long way in the last 12 years, and this is not to say that it has been smooth sailing all the way. The DAB has faced rough seas and many challenges, but we have stayed on course, and focused on ensuring stability during Hong Kong's transition, and doing what we can for the betterment of the special administrative region. In the coming days, months and years, I promise that the DAB will work harder than ever for Hong Kong's destiny: democracy, stability and prosperity.
Ma Lik is chairman of the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong
