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Letters

Time to offer constructive proposals
It is one month now since the student groups pre-empted the Occupy Central civil disobedience plans with their class boycotts and 24-hour sit-ins at Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok.
At the two-hour TV dialogue last week between five top government officials, led by the chief secretary for administration, and the five student leaders, the latter forcefully and cordially spelled out their rejection of the central government's political reform proposals.
The students turned down the government's several concessions offered, which included setting up a multi-group platform for ongoing political dialogue; they adamantly insisted on carrying on with the sit-ins.
The situation is now entering a new phase, where the student leaders have joined forces with the Occupy Central leaders and legislators in the pan-democratic camp, to overturn the decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
The Hong Kong Civic Association thinks this will not be possible to achieve and will be a waste of time.
We respect the idealism and dedication of the student groups and their leaders and suggest it would be more sensible for the leaders and others to explore whether the multi-group political platform proposed by the government could develop into a win-win situation for all parties concerned.
To make further progress on political reform in regard to the next chief executive election by universal franchise in 2017, there should now be more public discussion on the nominating committee framework and its procedures in the weeks ahead.
Our student leaders and others in the opposition camp should therefore focus on offering constructive proposals on the nominating committee and its procedures that would create a more favourable political balance to their side.
It is also time for the student leaders to realise their moral obligation and responsibility to see that their younger fellow students, who have been occupying the streets at their behest should be back in class to continue their studies.
Hilton Cheong-Leen, president, Frederick Lynn, chairman, Hong Kong Civic Association
 
Expatriate officers do care about HK
I read William Tang How-kong's comments in the report, "Protests stem from Western ideals and mistrust of Beijing, ex-policeman says" (October 26). I generally agree with his view that, because of Hong Kong's history, its people have been brought up with a culture slightly different to that of the mainland. However, I would like to pull him up on two points.
To say that the expatriate police officers who are left in the force don't have a vested interest in Hong Kong is plainly wrong. It is 17 years since the handover; there can't be too many of them left, but the ones who are will be senior officers now and will have lived in Hong Kong for many years.
They will have deep roots here, family, and, after retirement, may continue to live here. I'm sure they have as much of an interest in the future of the city as every other Hongkonger. And whether expatriate or local officer, I am sure both police the line with impartiality and professionalism.
The second of Mr Tang's points with which I disagree is the assertion that Hong Kong's governance problem is complicated. For me, it's clear and simple. The old colonial governors were sent to Hong kong to do one job: run Hong Kong. Don't worry about anything else, just make the city successful, make sure the people are OK.
The present government should get on with the job of running the city to the best of its ability and make sure its policies benefit Hongkongers first and foremost. If it did this and if Beijing concentrated on its job of defending us in wartime, representing us abroad, and stopped trying to micro-manage everything, then it's my bet that all the protesters would return to their daily lives and the national flag would still be flying over Government House.
David Howarth, Kennedy Town
 
Government should listen to students
As a student, I agree with the Occupy Central movement and the aims of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, who are fighting for universal and equal suffrage.
However, the month-long protests have proved to be divisive in society and those divisions have become more serious.
I do not know why some people cannot put their faith in the students.
We are adults who have acquired knowledge through our studies.
We are able to determine the difference between right and wrong and have views about the future of Hong Kong, which is our home.
I hope the government will listen to the opinions expressed by the students.
Mandy Yeung, Tseung Kwan O
 
Society crying out for real democracy
I refer to the article by Dabing Li ("On its last legs", October 24). The writer seems to have twisted ideas of democracy.
Saying that we do not deserve democracy, as we are selfish and therefore will vote for candidates who we think will benefit us rather than society, makes as much sense as saying we should not eat meals as we will only eat junk food which is tasty but unhealthy.
After all, democracy is a basic human right to which all of us are entitled.
It is also absurd to make the same argument as was put forward last week by the chief executive that democracy and universal suffrage will eventually become a race to the bottom.
Common sense tells us that a good government will consider all social classes, not only the poor, but also the middle class and the rich, when formulating its policies.
It is the voters who will vote for a government that can satisfy the interests of all stakeholders. These electors include all classes of society, not just the poor.
The writer concentrates on economics, arguing that the advancement of a country is not helped by democracy and cites the examples of Singapore and China to back his argument. But dollars and the economy are not the only things that matter.
These two countries have made great economic strides, but just note the lack of human rights in both of them.
After all, democracy is the core value of our society and we are entitled to it.
It is recognised as a universal value throughout the world.
William Yam, Lok Fu
 
Court rulings sending clear message
I admire the way the students have gone about protesting peacefully. I, too, believe that Hong Kong should aim for democracy.
I know, from looking around the world, that it is a difficult task to achieve. However, with court injunctions in place, it is now time for the students to return to their studies.
I do not want to see their futures ruined because they do not obey the rule of law in Hong Kong. Without laws, there would be anarchy.
People are particularly concerned about disputes at the Mong Kok site, which could deteriorate into violence. I understand the need for people to express their views and to demonstrate to the government that they want their voices be heard, but they must also consider the needs of Hong Kong.
By staying there, businesses are losing money. Companies in the heart of Mong Kok are suffering, employees' livelihoods are threatened, and their families depend on them as breadwinners.
The Occupy protesters should leave while people still support their call for universal suffrage.
If they stay too long, all their hard work will be undone.
They should regroup and think about what else they can do to make a difference.
J. Yuen, Sha Tin
 
Loudspeaker needed round the clock at site
Images of protesters emerging from their tents after a sound night's sleep, as citizens continue to be inconvenienced, convey the smug attitude of those who continue to hold our city hostage.
Surely it is time for a low-flying police helicopter and some 24-hour loudspeaker announcements, all of course to assist the safety of these children, for surely we would not wish to inconvenience them and rouse them too early from their slumber.
Mark Peaker, The Peak
 
Shopkeepers in Mong Kok really suffering
I have been strongly opposed to the Occupy Central protests in Mong Kok.
They have caused severe disruption to the livelihood of many citizens who live or work in that part of the city. I am sure there are many shopowners who have suffered substantial losses who must feel like they have been made sacrificial lambs.
Although I back calls for genuine universal suffrage in 2017, the needs of residents should be seen as a priority.
Zoe Chan, Yau Yat Chuen


Letters to the Editor, October 30, 2014

Student leaders have moral obligation. Photo: EPA

Protests stem from Western ideals and mistrust of Beijing, ex-policeman says

William Tang says Hong Kong people got used to the Western style of living and thinking for 150 years, so it's only natural that they see things differently from the mainlanders.

Democracy is on its last legs

Democracy seems to have failed in many places, both socially and economically, and often in glaring fashion. 

Opinion

It is one month now since the student groups pre-empted the Occupy Central civil disobedience plans with their class boycotts and 24-hour sit-ins at Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok.
