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Cynthia Yeung

Cynthia Yeung is a student at the University of Pennsylvania

Dear President Hu Jintao ,

Congratulations on having consolidated your power as the leader of our state, party and armed forces. We knew that it was going to happen sooner or later, but it's probably a good thing that former president Jiang Zemin  decided on the former.

I guess he realised that it's time to move on.

So, Mr Hu, what happens now?

Analysts say that you're going to steer our country towards military might, instead of economic power.

And I thought you were one of those enlightened pacifists bent on reducing poverty. Silly me.

But perhaps these rumours have no truth in them.

After all, being handed the reins of the military is like being named 'Superman'. One is bound to get carried away with all that power. Perhaps the analysts mistook your natural excitement at being the military  leader of the world's next superpower as a desire to command and conquer.

Nonetheless, even if you do have a military agenda - and you seemed like such a pleasant man the last time you stopped by for a visit - you might want to redirect the effort you've put into building up destructive power and use it for more productive causes.

Will you turn the numerous missiles away from Taiwan and concentrate instead on tackling  corruption in our national government?

Will you ensure that our vast countryside is not neglected as the coastal cities forge ahead with their plans for economic development?

Will you try not to divide China into a country of haves and have-nots?

Will you rectify our horrific human rights record so we can sleep with a clear conscience and dream about the 2008 Olympics?

Will you allow us to vote?

We, in Hong Kong, have no desire to topple the government.

We like stability and prosperity.

However, we support people like 'Long Hair' (Leung Kwok-hung) because of his reckless desire to achieve democracy and social justice. These are hopes that most of us have long hidden in our hearts. We adhere to social conventions and are too timid to speak out.

Mr Hu, we simply want a choice. One person, one vote. It really is that simple.

Promise us now that you'll let us elect our Chief Executive in a few years' time, say 2008, and we'll be on our best behaviour to prove that you have nothing to worry about.

Just think. One move will let you capture our hearts instantly.

Wouldn't that be a marvellous beginning for your legacy?



Mr Hu, HK people want democracy