Democracy can boost business if people are open-minded, says Li Ka-shing
Tycoon says people must be open-minded if democracy is to work, but another businessman, Henry Cheng, is not so sure about its benefits
Democracy in Hong Kong would give a "healthy" status boost to the business community, says Li Ka-shing, but only if people are open-minded.
When asked if tycoons would suffer under democratisation, Li replied: "A democratic system will only improve the status of businessmen.
"Hong Kong's government cannot stop supporting businessmen if it hopes for continuous economic growth. A leader with a clear mind would understand that only by creating a good business environment can a society grow stronger and drive the economy."
While agreeing that Hong Kong needs democracy, another tycoon, New World chairman Henry Cheng Kar-shun, expressed reservations about Li's remarks, saying democracy in Southeast Asian countries had not made for better business.
Li said: "With regard to benign democratic transition, I always believe that having the right to choose is a blessing."
A healthy democratic society must value the rule of law, inclusiveness and pluralism, he said. "Democracy will not work effectively in a society with a closed mind, or make society more open."