The debate on whether Hong Kong is in danger of being marginalised seems to have died down, but the issue itself is still there. Hong Kong has many advantages that other cities and economies in the region do not have. But we also have some problems, connected to our political structure that they do not have, and I worry that these are big enough to hold us back in the long run.
I travel fairly often to Thailand, Singapore and some mainland cities, and always take an interest in how they are doing.
Since the Asian financial crisis in 1997-98, Thailand has had strong and decisive democratically elected governments with mandates to deliver reform. The present administration has been populist, handing out things like virtually free medical care. Businesspeople, academics and the urban elite have had quite a few complaints. But the country is moving forward. Despite the current constitutional uncertainty, people generally agree that the government is more effective than in the old days.
Singapore has just had an election, although the system gives the opposition very little chance. Again, there was some populism, with welfare bonuses being paid to the elderly and poor in the lead up to the poll. In private, many people argue that the ruling party has too much power and control, and there should be more checks and balances. However, few Singaporeans disagree with the leadership's basic policies, which have made the city state a modern success story.
In Shanghai, the single-party administration can implement policies and reforms without challenge. The city is reforming state enterprises, redeveloping old neighbourhoods and building major new landmarks and infrastructure. Despite the upheavals for many workers and residents, most people will benefit from the resulting progress.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, what are we doing? The arguments over the West Kowloon reclamation and Tamar show that something is not working here. The people making the decisions seem unable to satisfy the community. Our government has neither a popular mandate nor the structural power to overcome a lack of consensus. Even relatively small interest groups can stand in the way.