My TakeAnnie Wu Suk-ching is the true conscience of Hong Kong
- The heir of the Maxim’s catering fortune could have led a comfortable life instead of speaking up for the city and paying a steep personal price for it
Who’s a real Hongkonger? Young rioters who shout empty slogans, trash their own city and destroy the livelihoods of countless ordinary people – all in the name of freedom and democracy and fighting for their future? Or a 71-year-old businesswoman and philanthropist who could easily avoid trouble, and sit pretty and comfortable instead of speaking out for the city against those who have slandered and blackened its name in front of foreign governments and organisations?
The ironic thing is that, though she is the daughter of the founder of Maxim’s, the giant catering group, she has kept at arm’s length from its management.
Yet, Starbucks, Jade Garden, Genki Sushi and Simplylife, brands and franchises run by Maxim’s, are being targeted.
I ask: who is being ugly, brutal and violent? Who is subverting law, civility or simple decency?
Wu told the UN forum that a minority of violent protesters do not represent Hong Kong people. Yet, endless protests have destroyed businesses and livelihoods, and undermined public order and safety. It seems to me that what she said was perfectly true.