Opinion | Can Beijing let Hong Kong be Hong Kong and allow the city the room it needs to breathe?

When Hong Kong returned to China in 1997, it was promised that the new “one country, two systems” arrangements would bring continued stability and prosperity to the city. Hong Kong would flourish as an orderly, efficient, pragmatic and vibrant financial centre, governed by the rule of law. 

The scenes we have witnessed in recent weeks are far removed from that ideal. Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets to protest against a controversial extradition law which would have allowed people in Hong Kong to be sent for trial in mainland China. There were violent clashes between protesters and police on June 12. Police headquarters has been under siege twice in a week. Police stood by while the building was pelted with eggs and daubed with graffiti.

In response, the government belatedly did a U-turn, suspending the extradition bill indefinitely. It is unlikely to return any time soon. But the protesters are demanding a permanent withdrawal of the law and an investigation into police conduct during the clashes.

Desperate to calm these troubled waters, the government has gone into hiding. It is in a state of near paralysis. This week’s cabinet meeting was cancelled, key policy initiatives have been postponed and legislative business disrupted. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has disappeared from public view. The city is supposed to have “executive-led” government. But the executive is no longer leading.

The crisis was sparked by the government’s gross mismanagement of the extradition bill. It was in too much of a rush, failed to consult properly and brushed aside widespread concerns.