What do the 4 million working Hongkongers think of the protests? They must speak out to help end the chaos
- Hong Kong’s transport industry has become a core battleground between the protesters and Beijing. Ordinary working Hongkongers whose lives have been disrupted by the protests must stand up, and be seen and heard
In a city long known for independent rule of law, a world-class transport system and a low crime rate, the anti-government protests have unleashed a side of Hong Kong no one ever thought was possible.
To be fair, a subset of protesters have not made it easy for the government and the police to unclench their fists. Numerous pro-China or China-linked businesses and banks continue to be indiscriminately targeted. Meanwhile, once-busy streets in Hong Kong now resemble scenes from the Los Angeles riots in 1992, the London riots in 2011 or the Yellow Vest protests in France.
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However, while the destruction wreaked by those the government is calling radicals and rioters has understandably dominated the headlines, there is growing frustration among others who are not quite getting the column inches they deserve: namely, the businesses and employees affected by the protests.
An example of a key cluster would be Hong Kong’s transport industry, which has become a core battleground between the protesters and Beijing.
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Put simply, while the protesters are attacking MTR stations to make themselves heard, Beijing is using a global brand like Cathay Pacific to send a message about the risks of speaking out against an economic empire.
As a result, businesses and even tycoons have had to walk a tightrope strung between the angry mob and Beijing.
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Ultimately, a middle path has to be found. But an immediate compromise appears to be elusive unless the vast majority of the working population of 4 million – a good 60 per cent of the total population – calls time on the chaos.
This group does not need to support the Hong Kong government or condone the angry protesters’ means of expression. They can represent either, both or none of the above. More importantly, if they exist, they need to stand up and be seen and heard.
Given the critical role of a fully functioning transport system in the lives of ordinary working Hongkongers, this group could be the underlying force that helps end the current deadlock and reach a compromise. Otherwise, Hong Kong will continue to implode while a seemingly indifferent Beijing watches from afar.
Siddiq Bazarwala is the author of a book on humanities, a Hong Kong resident and business owner