A poor track record when it comes to selling mega projects
The grounds for supporting the highly controversial and politicised express rail link are obvious and the theories of economic benefits all seem reasonable. What will become of Hong Kong if it is not part of the nation's major transport artery? Investing in our part of the cross-border high-speed railway is an essential component of our search for sustainable economic growth and a way to escape being marginalised.
The legislature will decide today the fate of the high-speed railway, but all the noise - for and against - makes it necessary for the government to look closely at why it failed to make such an 'easy sale'. The HK$66.9 billion cost is not small and the rising price of building materials is unfortunate. The public rightfully expects lawmakers to scrutinise the proposal, especially when we consider the government's track record on forecasting economic benefits.
A decade ago, the government's sales pitch for Hong Kong Disneyland rested on estimated economic benefits amounting to HK$148 billion over 40 years. But, not only did the theme park miss its first-year visitor projection, its attendance performance fell a further 23 per cent in its second year. Add that to the additional money from the public purse for the approved expansion, and the 'HK$148 billion sales pitch' looks more like a fairy tale today.
And what about our all-time favourite, Cyberport? Once considered 'essential for Hong Kong's future and any role Hong Kong will play in IT and information services', this project was supposed to bring in at least HK$12 billion from online trading and another HK$9 billion in tourism. Apart from a cinema, restaurants, bridal boutiques and outlet shops, Cyberport's projected 'significant positive impact on Hong Kong's long-term competitiveness' and equally 'significant' economic benefits seem laughable today.
Cyberport has become a sad landmark that symbolises all of the government's bad judgment calls, and is the very reason why, when the government talks about reaping economic benefits, its figures fail to have any impact or resonate with the rest of the community. The fact that the narrative of opponents has gained more traction within the community reveals the government's growing disconnect with the public. Its failure to recognise the legitimate grievances of stakeholders has fuelled what the 'Post 50s' group's advertisement called the 'political show' that has been dominating headlines.
For the 150 families being forced to make way for the railway, they are having to give up not only their homes, but also their way of life. The railway will also run under Tai Kok Tsui residents' homes, leaving them worried about possible adverse effects. The government has failed to resolve these real-life issues; it has failed at politics.
Politics, by definition, refers to the methods and tactics used in formulating and applying policy. The government's job is to protect its citizens' property. Running high-speed trains underneath and across people's homes does not exactly fit that job description.