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Letters | Hong Kong protests are a response to the erosion of the city’s core values, which only universal suffrage can stop
- The unrest was triggered by the government responding to its supporters rather than ordinary people and by the actions of police suppressing the voices of dissent. Universal suffrage and an independent inquiry are the only way out of the mess
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The core values of Hong Kong – including the rule of law, human rights, freedom of speech, justice and righteousness – have been the cornerstones of our economic success and prosperity for decades. They also set us apart from cities in mainland China. Unfortunately, the continued erosion of these core values over the years, culminating in Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s push for the extradition law amendment and a rise in police violence, has resulted in today’s dramatic social unrest.
Why are our core values being corrupted? The reason is the chief executive and Legislative Council are not directly elected by Hongkongers. The chief executive is supported by pro-government councillors, so that all policies related to the elderly, medical care, education and infrastructure are skewed to party supporters while the opinions of the millions of people who took to the streets in peaceful marches are ignored.
Only a truly representative government will listen to people and can maintain our core values, so that people can continue to benefit from economic growth. Democratic elections are highly correlated to stability, as they allow for the peaceful transfer of power and keep a check on incompetent officials.
Political issues should be solved by political means. Getting the police involved in political issues is totalitarianism and against our core values. Using economic means to resolve political issues will also be in vain. The chief executive must stop the fake consultation, end police violence, and open her heart and mind to meet the public's demands.
We need tighter measures to regulate police actions. They should not abuse their power and bully Hongkongers. The recent large-scale arrests and unlawful punishments meted out to protesters should be put to the courts for judgment.
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