Letters | Real heroes of Hong Kong protests are its firefighters, medical workers and street cleaners

In a divided city, they are the people offering untiring services to all, discriminating against none. They are a shining example to every Hongkonger

Hong Kong protests

Letters

Published: 9:15am, 3 Nov 2019

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“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us.” The relevance of Charles Dickens, 160 years on, is remarkable for us a world away in Hong Kong.

Our city is going through some very testing times – of contradictions and controversies. The contrast between the two Hong Kongs experienced over the past few months – from before the protests started, to what it has become – could not be more stark. It may be seen as a sign of change, essential for the evolution of any civilised society.

We Hongkongers owe a great debt of gratitude to the generations who shed blood, sweat and tears to make Hong Kong a city that epitomised efficiency, safety and stability, with a social DNA that made us a disciplined, calm and hardworking lot. Our predecessors made Hong Kong the attractive destination it is, and we have the good fortune to call it home.

Discord or a difference of opinion is only natural in society; it happens also within a family. As humans, we are gifted with the right to express our thoughts and sentiments. It is also our duty to extend due patience and respect to other people's voices and expressions. The positive progression of human civilisation is proof that rights and responsibilities go hand in hand. Pulling together collectively is the only responsible way forward. We need to shed our doubts and prejudices and take ownership of the task of restoring Hong Kong’s reputation.

We Hongkongers must not allow the situation sink further into an abyss of despair and leave only anger and angst for the future generations. To witness this great city spiral into chaos must surely burn our hearts? We are much better than this.

One need go no further than be inspired by the likes of Hong Kong’s medical professionals, Fire Services Department, and street cleaners, who continue to work tirelessly without allowing the colour of anyone’s thoughts or clothes or skin to influence their sense of professional and moral obligation towards Hong Kong society.

Here’s to all empowered and “in power” fellow citizens – it is never ever too late. Let us retain our sense of dignity in being proud citizens of Hong Kong.

Manoj Dhar, Ap Lei Chau

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