My Take | New law steers activists towards moderate path
- Even before enactment, the national security legislation is making several prominent leaders of the protest movement reconsider their positions, strategies and/or future
Consider the recent statements of some leaders of the anti-government protest movement. They are either quitting or making U-turns.
Martin Lee Chu-ming (Democratic Party co-founder): “The laam caau (self-destruct together) people, they haven’t got a clue. If you start the revolution, and then you’re completely defeated, many people will die with you. So how does that help Hong Kong?”
Anson Chan Fang On-sang (former pro-democracy chief secretary): “I would step back from civic and political engagement and lead a quieter life. I urge young people not to lose hope for their future and continue to hold fast to the values that underpin our unique city but to do so in a law-abiding and peaceful manner.”
Horace Chin Wan-kan (father of Hong Kong localism): “I am quitting the pan-democratic movement. For more than 10 years, I have had nothing but good intentions, hoping to improve relationships between Hong Kong and the mainland, to promote the prosperity of Hong Kong and the motherland. But our ‘good-relation’ localism has been hijacked by pan-democrats and those who advocate Hong Kong independence.”
Wayne Chan Ka-kui (convenor of the Hong Kong Independence Union): “I have left Hong Kong but have not quit our movement. I hope you all will continue with the fight, though I can’t join you. I hope to meet you again when Hong Kong achieves independence.”