What Leung Chun-ying must do to heal Hong Kong
Stephanie Cheung says the chief executive and his team must stop picking fights in order to heal deep divisions in society, and start working to extend the shelf life of 'one country, two systems'
The second-round consultation paper on constitutional reform says that the proposed reforms pose a challenge for Hong Kong "as to whether we can restore our community, which is divided and full of quarrels, back to a community with political morals and culture which seeks to build common ground whilst respecting differences, and which is rational and inclusive; and at the same time maintains the mutual trust [between Beijing and Hong Kong] under the principle of 'one country, two systems'."
Hong Kong is truly wrecked and divided. Every citizen hopes for a restoration of the core values described in the consultation paper. However, there are three observations to be made.
Firstly, the issue for our leaders should not be a question of "whether we can restore", but "how to restore".
Secondly, as long as Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying continues to pick quarrels where none existed originally, Hong Kong will continue to be divided. Having undergone the umbrella movement, the community craves for a period of peace, for reflection, rest and reconciliation.
Instead of sensing the mood of the community, Leung, in his policy address, chose to denounce an obscure university student publication. Such an incongruous use of his authority is hardly "rational and inclusive" and jars on Hong Kong's nerves.
Even more jarring are the government's latest serial attacks against the University of Hong Kong. Article 137 of the Basic Law guarantees that "education institutions of all kinds may retain their autonomy and enjoy academic freedom". Alumni and academics across the disciplines and institutions have been forced to unite to resist the onslaught.