OpinionHong Kong falls behind in equality, poverty reduction and environmental protection – but leads in arrogance

Too many Hongkongers are unjustly filled with pride and arrogance about their city. Yes, it was perhaps the best place to be in Asia a decade or so ago, but the shine has tarnished. Where once there was innovation, creativity and adaptability, there is now a lack of economic and social progress that has us, at best, treading water and, at worst, falling behind. It’s shameful and nothing to be proud or uppity about.

The mentality can clearly be seen in the comments section of the Post’s website, and on websites elsewhere; they are people who believe they are so much more intelligent and learned than mainlanders, Singaporeans, Americans – you name it. You’ll sense it when talking to some people from our top companies and schools. They look down on people elsewhere in China, know Japan and South Korea better than their own nation and fail to see the serious problems around them in the very city they live in.

Our government is by far the biggest culprit. The top civil servants are out of touch with ordinary people, despite being among the highest paid workers in Hong Kong, receiving the best perks and benefits and coming from the finest educational institutions.

Having little or no contact with the grit and grime of the city, whether a wet market or public transport, they have limited understanding of the problems that exist. They are handsomely rewarded for serving the people of Hong Kong, yet our city is falling behind the rest of the developed world on their watch.