The rapidly widening wealth gap in Hong Kong has raised many questions that touch on the city's economic and social policy. At present, about 1.2 million people, or nearly 20 per cent of Hong Kong's population, are thought to be living below the poverty line.
It is not hard to understand why the rich-poor divide is fuelling hatred towards the rich, especially big businesses.
Hong Kong's richest man, Li Ka-shing, recently drew controversy over his plan to redevelop his home at 79 Deep Water Bay. The Buildings Department has been accused of giving preferential treatment and allowing the building to be enlarged by 9,165 sq ft, doubling its area to some 18,000 sq ft.
Furthermore, the administration is said to have leased government land to Li to build a 40-metre private road leading to his house, and a vacant site adjacent to his home for him to build a 10,000 sq ft garden with club amenities. All these were said to have been granted at very low rates and without going through proper tendering procedures. The tenancy agreements are believed to be short-term, but will be renewed automatically.
The news immediately sparked criticism of government-business collusion. This kind of public reaction has become a kind of contagious behaviour that attacks the core of our society. The government needs to respond by punishing any official who may have breached the rules. If the accusations are false, the officials in charge must clarify and defend the government. Not responding will only give the impression that the government has done something wrong.
In fact, many surveyors believe Li was not given any preferential treatment. They say there are many cases in Hong Kong where plots of land are leased to private landlords on short-term, renewable tenancy for them to build private gardens, roads and other related amenities. This practice has existed for decades and it's most common in the New Territories, where many owners of village houses have benefited from it.
The practice has been to grant most of these sites without tendering. The reason is that since they are connected to existing properties, and only the owners have access to them, officials think an open bid will not attract interest from others.