Letters | After the Hong Kong elections, a time to show respect and vision

Yes, 1.6 million voted in favour of more freedom and democracy. But that also means millions of others didn’t, and their choice should be respected

Hong Kong should also respect its unique opportunity to get on the Chinese prosperity train

Reading Time:2 minutes

Election workers empty a ballot box to count votes at a polling station in Hong Kong on November 24. Photo: AP

Published: 7:40am, 3 Dec 2019Updated: 7:40am, 3 Dec 2019

The beauty of getting old is living to witness the changing of times. When did Hongkongers switch to fighting for freedom and democracy? Back in the 70s, the fight was to “to make a living” (為兩餐乜都肯制) and “fight for money” (一生一世為錢幣做奴隸), as Sam Hui Koon-kit sang. In the 80s, the fight was to retain capitalism, ensure that “horses will still run, dancers will still dance” (馬照跑舞照跳).

Now, it is a fight for freedom and democracy, with hard-core activists asserting that the Hong Kong government is the source of all problems and that all Hong Kong officials should step down. Hong Kong has transformed from a city brimming with positive energy into one seething with resentment and rage.

So, my message to both the leadership and the people is: fight now for respect – to respect each other, respect our opportunities, and respect China.

Hongkongers have to show respect for those with different opinions. Let’s look closely at the supposed landslide victory in the recent district council elections. Of the city’s population of 7.5 million, 4.1 million are registered voters, out of whom 2.9 million voted on November 24. Of those who voted, 1.6 million were in favour of the parties or candidates calling for more freedom and democracy.

Yes, let’s respect the voters whose chosen candidates emerged victorious, but let’s also respect the remaining 5.9 million or so who may or may not care about politics or political reform.

Secondly, let’s also respect the government. Hong Kong is the freest city in China and probably in the world. The city could be a showcase of how more freedom is a path to prosperity without compromising sovereignty. But Hongkongers are in danger of missing out this bigger opportunity with the unrest and challenge to Chinese sovereignty.

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.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | After the Hong Kong elections, a time to show respect and vision

Letters | After the Hong Kong elections, a time to show respect and vision