Editorial | At tipping point, it is time for those who love the city to unite

With the chief executive signalling her readiness to rein in Hong Kong’s unrest with sweeping emergency powers under the law, all eyes are on whether the situation will deteriorate when people take to the streets again this weekend. The city has reached a tipping point and it is imperative for all who love Hong Kong to unite and avoid deepening the crisis.

In a move that may fuel further tension, police have banned the Civil Human Rights Front for the first time from holding both a rally and march on Saturday in relation to restrictions on universal suffrage imposed by Beijing five years ago. Citing recent violent incidents as the reason for the ban, police said the protests would be close to buildings of “high risk”, including police headquarters and Beijing’s liaison office. The front is appealing against the ban. There are also calls for more disruptions at the airport on Sunday.

It has been suggested that an archaic law, which gives the chief executive sweeping powers to deal with unrest, may have to be used if law and order cannot be restored. Such a possibility has not been dismissed by Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who says the government has the responsibility to examine all legal means to deal with the current situation.

Last used in the 1967 riots, the Emergency Regulations Ordinance empowers the city leader to promulgate rules on a wide range of areas, such as arrests, detentions, control of transport, appropriation of properties and suppression of publication and communication. Obviously the government must ensure any steps taken under the law are constitutional. Consideration must also be given to the changing political, economic and social circumstances when deciding whether to invoke the law.

While such a step must not be taken lightly, it depends on how soon peace and order can be restored. Worryingly, some radicals continue to resort to wildcat-style protests, escalating confrontations and vandalism as their demands, including withdrawing the extradition bill and appointing an inquiry into the fiasco, are not met. But Lam has made it clear the government cannot yield to demands that are unacceptable. With no sign of compromise from either side, the way forward is anything but clear. What is certain, though, is that prolonged violence will only expedite more forceful intervention from the authorities.

While the onus is still on the government to come up with a political solution, protesters should perhaps also reconsider how best to pursue their causes and avert the worst-case scenario. At stake is Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity. Concerted efforts must be made to bring this dark chapter of Hong Kong history to an end.