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Letters | Hong Kong’s future lies in the political arena, not in street protests
- Hong Kong has paid a heavy price for the protests. Meanwhile, political polarisation means it has not fully utilised the power of the Legislative Council
- The quest for political reform must not sacrifice Hong Kong’s advantage as a bridge to the mainland
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Hong Kong is a “world city” that is both part of and separate from China. But ideological differences have caused a political stalemate and hampered the government’s ability to address social issues, with the latest contest between pro-establishment and pro-democracy camps centred on Hong Kong’s autonomy under “one country, two systems”.
Entering into 2020, political battles in the Legislative Council remain intense. With increased anti-China rhetoric and appeals for foreign intervention, the possibility for rational and dignified debate is remote.
With the anti-government protests often turning violent, we must assess the consequences. It doesn’t matter how well-intentioned the pan-democrats are, ignoring the city’s geopolitical reality and its interdependent relationship with China may create further political crises and push the city past the point of no return.
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To break the impasse, we must first recognise the harm seven months of political violence have caused. Hong Kong is experiencing its first recession in a decade. The damage to public facilities, including MTR stations and the Legislative Council building, will cost billions to repair. The poor are getting poorer, unemployment is on the rise and a growing number of people are showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Today, our society is divided into different “colours”, with people afraid to speak freely. Society at large is paying the price. Western media celebrated a political awakening, but now, with the protests fading from the latest news cycle, Hongkongers are left to pick up the pieces.
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To make informed decisions about the political future of our city, we must let history serve as a guide. The British parliament has shaped the political systems of many of the empire’s ex-colonies, including Hong Kong.
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