Lastly, neutrality is not a synonym for apolitical (非政治化). Apathy and indifference towards politics are not the attitude Hong Kong people should adopt. Even average constituents of society have been encouraged to be a part of Hong Kong’s continuous progress.

So, what is the essence of political neutrality and how does it define Hong Kong’s recipe of success? We should look at it from three perspectives.

Firstly, Hong Kong people attach great significance to market mechanisms and market principles in political, economic and social interactions. The pivotal driver of Hong Kong’s economic miracle is indisputably market forces. Firmly sticking to a market economy has resulted in splendid accomplishments, such as becoming an international financial, trade and shipping centre.

Accordingly, Hong Kong is always ranked among the top in terms of competitiveness, innovation and business environment, as well as in university league tables. Traditionally, as a transit port and bridge between mainland China and the rest of the world, Hong Kong has done well. In the future, its role as a super connector in the same geopolitical and economic context will surely strengthen its market orientation.

However, misguided public fervour about certain political issues among a significant portion of society is proving alarming. As a result, entrepreneurship is waning, business logic has taken a hit and productivity has been disrupted. We can see the consequences in recent years. The price of turning Hong Kong into a political hub would be unimaginable.

Secondly, the rule of law has been the fundamental construct in building Hong Kong. In the economic sense, it is recognised worldwide that honouring contracts and abiding by market rules are key to a robust performance. In the political arena, dispute settlement, conflict resolution and conciliation must all be rule-based. Having one’s voice heard on political agendas is a fair and understandable request, and a well-established mechanism is in place to ensure protocols are followed and citizens’ rights are protected. The various special administrative region laws, especially the Basic Law – the supreme law – must not be twisted or ignored to serve the self-interest of a few.

Thirdly, the ultimate goal of development is the well-being of Hong Kong people. Politics might play a certain role in the process, yet no action hindering or slowing efforts to improve social welfare and living standards in the guise of political reform or political participation should be tolerated. In this sense, the filibuster farces often played out in the Legislative Council go against the consensus of our common goals, and the negativity has unfortunately spilled over into the economic and social realms.

Time spent on Legco filibustering doubles this year

Of course, setting higher goals cannot guarantee immediate improvements in housing, pensions and salaries. Even in less-prosperous and less-expensive, middle-tier mainland cities, new graduates can only dream of being able to afford a decent apartment. Why are some Hong Kong youngsters so anxious to squeeze what should be a lifelong economic pursuit of home ownership into their first few years in a career? Enhanced well-being is closely linked to the stability and predictability that Hong Kong used to enjoy.

Political neutrality – or the Chinese concept 政治中性, to better convey its critical meaning – has been the most important ingredient of Hong Kong’s prosperity. It should and could work smoothly in the future.

Let’s end by quoting another Chinese idiom, 不逾矩,不从众: Never cross the line of rules, and never follow the herd. But, again, this might just be lost in translation.

Liu Jun is vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association