National education protest builds as hunger striker marks 108th hour

A 63-year-old hunger striker passed the 108-hour mark on Thursday morning, as support for the movement against national education grew.

James Hon Lin-shan, of the Professional Teachers’ Union, said he was feeling all right as his fast reached 108 hours at 10.30am. Medical check-ups show his blood sugar, blood pressure and weight levels are all acceptable, he said: “I’m healthier than a healthy person.” Six other protesters are also on a hunger strike outside government headquarters in Admiralty.

Hon’s manner was spirited. Up to nine more people were expected to join the hunger strike on Thursday afternoon.

Tertiary students also lent their support to protesters by planning to boycott classes next Tuesday.

An estimated 1,000 students from 10 institutions will kick-off their action with a gathering at the University Mall plaza at the Chinese University on September 11. They plan to pledge their support for class boycotts, in lower schools, against national education.

Samuel Li Shing-hong, general-secretary of the Federation of Students, which organised the protest, said they would continue to boycott classes until the government withdrew the programme.