Editorial | Chance to reconnect with public should not be squandered

Even though hopes were not high when Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor undertook to talk to the community face to face, she is still expected to make use of the opportunity to address people’s grievances and come up with feasible solutions to a raft of long-standing problems that have led to the ongoing political crisis. This requires not only commitment to listen, but also for those from all walks of life and across the political spectrum to be given the chance to participate.

But arrangements announced by the government have raised questions as to whether this can be achieved. With a quota of just 150 for the first Community Dialogue session at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai on Thursday, the government has been rightly criticised for limiting access to the event. Those wishing to attend are required to first register online with their personal details, and they must not bring umbrellas and protest gear, such as gas masks or helmets. Exactly how many people will have a chance to speak during the two-hour session remains unknown. The government does not want to turn the forum into a venue for protest. However, it will not be surprising if some participants do.

Lam has said that she is fully aware opponents will mobilise as many people as possible to “wait for her”. This gives the impression that she will not shy from facing those who are critical of her and she is ready for disruption and even chaos. But the wealth of restrictions seems to suggest otherwise; they are in place to facilitate control and order rather than encourage access and exchange.

The rules are not surprising under the current political environment. Tucked away in a corner of Wan Chai, the stadium may be easily besieged by protesters. Given tensions remain high and persistent violent clashes, as seen over the weekend, the government may opt for a more cautious approach at the start and adjustments can always be made for sessions that follow.

What matters ultimately is that the people can be heard and their problems addressed. That means the chief executive needs to go beyond the usual government-friendly circles to reach out to the other end of the political spectrum. It is important sessions are arranged in a way that brings a genuine exchange. Lam also needs to be humble and sincere in listening to different views.

If a similar session with district councillors earlier is any reference, the public engagement will probably not achieve much. But in the absence of further forthcoming initiatives following more than 100 days of political turmoil and unrest, these town hall sessions give Lam the opportunity to reconnect with the public. It is to be hoped that she can make the most of them to restore faith in the government and the city’s future.