After the riots in Mong Kok, Hong Kong must come together and say ‘no’ to violence
Paul Yip says only through rational action can the city’s frustrated young people win the support of the community, achieve progress and help heal the rift in society
The rioting in Mong Kok on the first day of the Lunar New year was disturbing and unsettling. Reportedly, it stemmed from the mishandling of a crackdown on illegal hawkers which became the catalyst for violence. Yet, protesters wore masks and used bricks, metal rods and broken bottles to target the police and journalists, with no concern about causing serious injury.
READ MORE: Angry Hong Kong police criticise ‘feeble’ senior management over Mong Kok riot arrangements
This was very different from what Hong Kong experienced in the Occupy Central movement in 2014. As a result of the Mong Kok riot, some 130 people were admitted to hospital, with almost 90 police officers and five journalists injured. Neither the police nor the public could have anticipated or been prepared for this sort and level of violence in Hong Kong and it is fortunate that no one was killed. It is disgusting to hear some of the irresponsible comments from a “localist” group, who saw it as only a minor incident.
If we learned anything from the Occupy movement, it is that a peaceful and orderly manner can earn the respect and support of the community. It should be remembered that it was the violent clashes with police that eroded community support later on. Also, Occupy organisers missed opportunities to engage the government and seek concessions.
It is the time for the whole community to come together and say a loud and clear “no” to such destructive action, which was in no way meant to protect unlicensed hawkers.
Hong Kong is a world-class city, and renowned as a free and safe society. Undoubtedly, we are facing real challenges, but we need to work hard to make Hong Kong more successful than ever. We need to add value to turn the city into a regional education and training hub par excellence, into a research and innovation centre, and a place where high quality and high standards champion our cause. Violent behaviour not only damages our own development, it weakens our bargaining power for political reform, too.
READ MORE: After the Mong Kok riot, it’s time to hit Hong Kong’s radicalised youth hard to show them crime doesn’t pay
We can voice our displeasure and disagreement in a rational manner. In the latest elections in Taiwan, some young people who participated in the Sunflower movement chose to stand for seats in the local elections and some got elected. They inject fresh air into the island’s political development. Our young people should do the same.
READ MORE: History repeated – Mong Kok riot similar to deadly Hong Kong unrest of 1966, says former top policeman
Hong Kong is currently on the edge. If we carry on down this route, it will be a lose-lose situation. Hatred breeds hatred, not improvement. As one of the illegal hawkers in Mong Kok said, they simply want to make a living; they don’t want their cause to be hijacked for political reasons.
In the new year, we should all say “no” to violence. It takes a lot of effort to build up trust. Getting a lucky stick during the Lunar New Year ritual at Che Kung Temple won’t solve our problems – we all need to work hard and contribute our fair share to make Hong Kong a place to be proud of.
Paul Yip is a professor of social work and social administration at the University of Hong Kong