Editorial | Decision to suspend extradition bill is a belated but right step forward

The decision by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor to suspend the unpopular extradition bill is a belated but right step forward. While there will be calls and actions to pursue accountability over the debacle, in particular the way the bill and the Wednesday’s protest have been handled by the government, the U-turn is expected to take some heat out of the raging crisis, which, hopefully, will ease the escalating concerns from all sides and help restore much-needed calm and stability to Hong Kong society.

The undertaking to listen to different views without a legislative deadline is to be welcomed. Lam admitted that the government’s explanation had been insufficient and ineffective. The delay gives officials a good opportunity to listen carefully to different views, and double efforts to allay fears from local and overseas communities, including foreign investors, over the bill. The row stems from worries that people could be arbitrarily sent cross the border for trial under the bill, which seeks to transfer fugitives to places with which the city has no extradition agreement. The arrangements must be better explained and strengthened with more safeguards in order to win wider support.

Whether the turnout of the mass protest scheduled for today would be dampened remains to be seen. Lam has sensibly dismissed suggestions that the government viewed Wednesday’s clashes as another “colour revolution”. But she adhered to the police’s verdict that it was a riot, saying it was only natural for officers to enforce the law. It remains the fact that most protesters expressed their views peacefully on Sunday and Wednesday. It is imperative that this fine tradition be adhered to. The pan-democrats have made clear that nothing short of scrapping the bill would be acceptable. The stance is understandable. Lam made clear that the bill had not been retracted. But in the world of politics, compromise is essential. Any opposition should be expressed rationally and lawfully.

Reflections are needed and lessons should be learned. Lam’s performance on Saturday may not satisfy all. But as she promised, she needs to accept criticism in a humble way. Given the economic and social challenges facing the city, such as the housing shortage and an ageing population, she has a tough job ahead in regaining people’s trust and support and helping Hong Kong move on.