LettersWhy are Hong Kong youth repaying city with hate and violence?

Why are these young radicals in Hong Kong so ungrateful and destructive? Hong Kong is their home. The government has generously allocated millions of dollars of precious public resources to education. Tuition fees are low and education standards are high, with beautiful university campuses and a global academic reputation, which took many years of hard work to build up.

Many businesses in Hong Kong, domestic and international, generously support education by setting up foundations and scholarships. Young students are the beneficiaries. They should be grateful for the unconditional gifts so generously given to them and seek to repay the debt to Hong Kong society after they graduate.

They even get funding priority ahead of many people in genuine need in society, including the sick, the elderly, the homeless and orphans.

Nevertheless, after they grow up and become intelligent and strong, they believe in false ideas, such as achieving justice by breaking the law (違法達義). They set up web forums that spread hatred and violence, they make unrealistic and unreasonable demands of the government, mobilise other young people to destroy public property and hurt police officers. They put on masks, and destroy public facilities, MTR stations, government offices, banks, restaurants and shops, spreading fear among residents.

I am really concerned about the emotional and mental health of these young radicals.

Edward Chow, barrister-at-law, Admiralty

Win the day through debate, not violence