Letters | What’s behind Hong Kong street protests? A natural faith in freedom and human rights
- Hongkongers have developed differently from their mainland counterparts post-June 1989, and their faith in basic liberties runs deep in their veins
- But civil society can do more than act in self-defence, it can inspire systemic change
Ever since the tragedy in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989, Hongkongers have developed differently from their counterparts in mainland China. Such differences include not just a different judicial system but also Hongkongers’ strong faith in the pursuit of freedom and human rights, which people have long been deprived of on the mainland.
While the leaders in Hong Kong government rack their brains to find ways to defuse the crisis, they had better understand that Hongkongers’ faith in upholding basic human rights and freedom has deep roots and will never die, just as their can-do spirit will continue for generations to come. They have underestimated what runs in the veins of Hongkongers. The way out is to keep running Hong Kong with a clear conscience. Surely, this is also the time to test our leaders’ integrity and political wisdom.
Kendra Ip, Hung Hom
City must push for sustained and systemic change