Carrie Lam needs to understand the values and mindset of Hong Kong’s youth if she is ever to achieve a protest breakthrough

The minority of violent protesters draw their support from a broad base across Hong Kong’s peace-loving young people. To end the violence, Carrie Lam needs to engage with youth and channel their energy into worthier causes

Ken Chu

Published: 7:30am, 18 Aug 2019

Why you can trust SCMP

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has warned of an impending economic downturn for Hong Kong more severe than during 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic, if the turmoil and widespread violent street demonstrations continue. This warning should not be taken lightly.

Hong Kong has been gripped by violence and chaos after police stations were attacked, public buildings vandalised, main roads obstructed and MTR services disrupted. Our economy is facing serious difficulties – a continuous slide in exports, a significant drop in tourist numbers, a sharp slump in hotel occupancy, and a mere 0.6 per cent growth in gross domestic product in the second quarter.

Coupled with the negative impact of the trade war between China and the US, Hong Kong's economy is in a precarious state. Therefore, it is right that the chief executive is calling on the community to refocus on the economy and livelihood issues.

For the handful of diehard violent protesters, such warnings, regrettably, will fall on deaf ears. So, while the government will need to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law, it should also step up efforts to find out what has emboldened these rioters and caused them to escalate their actions.

It cannot be denied that they have drawn some support from quite a large number among our younger generation, who form the backbone of the mostly peaceful sit-in demonstrations and marches. It is therefore critical for the chief executive and her team to take bold and swift steps to repair her relationship with the youth of Hong Kong so as to rid the rioters of their stalwart support.

However, it would seem to be a tremendous challenge for Lam’s administration to regain the trust of our discontented youth. Some argue that what is driving young people to the streets in protest against the extradition bill is their sense of hopelessness – at the lack of affordable housing, career prospects and upward social mobility.

But there is no miracle pill and policies take time to yield results. Moreover, economic and social pressures may not be the only causes. Quite a number of young people in the marches and sit-ins are university graduates and professionals with bright career prospects. For them, it could be a matter of fulfilment.

The administration also needs to acknowledge and appreciate the nature of our young people, who are often said to be born to rebel. They do not like to be dictated to, told what to do, how to think or what to read. They want to assert themselves and show their individuality.

For Hong Kong to have a future, young people must have hope

They want to explore new things. In the face of presumed suppression, these rebellious adolescents are likely to fight back twice as hard. In Hong Kong, our youths believe that their views on the extradition bill have not been heeded or respected by the government, and will remain adamant in their point of view.

I do not believe that most of our young people are violent in nature. I also do not believe they intend to overthrow the Hong Kong government or even, the central government. We should refrain from magnifying the actions of a small group of violent rioters into a reflection of our larger adolescent population – most of whom are not only peace-loving and fun-loving but also super creative, as shown in their various peaceful expressions of protest.

An example is the laser pointer light display on the dome of the Space Museum – a non-violent and non-harmful way of expressing their views. Given that the administration has begun public consultations on Lam’s upcoming policy address, our government can perhaps look into initiatives to channel the immense creative energy of our young men and women into worthy causes other than street protests.

No one is above the rule of law, a core value of Hong Kong. Both rioters and law enforcers must be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The administration can also consider a public dialogue platform or forum under the umbrella of the Youth Development Commission with trustworthy and respectful young leaders as mediators. Such a platform would allow young people and the administration, and even the police, to voice their grievances and iron out their differences in a peaceful and rational manner. In this way, our youth will feel that they are being respected.

Perhaps the only way to achieve a breakthrough is to tap directly into these young minds and understand their value systems. In doing and so, the government can avoid a misdiagnosis of the situation and work towards restoring normalcy to society.

Ken Chu is group chairman and CEO of Mission Hills Group and a national committee member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference

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