Letters | Hong Kong pro-democracy camp has failed to rise above opposition to be a genuine alternative

Over the past few years, the Hong Kong pro-democracy camp’s political strategy has remained fairly static. With the exception of the five demands and broader calls for political reform, pan-democrats have been largely reactive, consistently focusing their political capital on opposition to the government’s recent legislation and policy.

The problem with these tactics is that they do nothing to address the causes of public discontent. No doubt the recent protests were a response to the government’s many attempts to restrict the civil liberties of Hongkongers. But they were also emblematic of a broader belief: that Hong Kong’s government officials are fundamentally out of touch with the socioeconomic problems that have, for too long, plagued this city.

Whether it be the ever-rising cost of housing, chronic staff shortages within our health care system, or working hours that are too long for too many, livelihood issues shape our lives. Aggravated by the government’s indifference, these play a major role in ensuring that, time and again, middle- and lower-income families get the short end of the stick.

Why not push for a universal pension scheme, so that our city’s elderly feel genuinely secure in retirement? Why not push for greater collective bargaining rights, so that we are genuinely empowered at the workplace? Why not push for the bringing in of overseas doctors and increased investment in our health care system, so that hospitals have enough resources to run properly, and enough medical staff to use those resources? Why not propose a massive expansion of public housing and restrictions on speculation, so that homes become truly affordable for all?