Independent panel to investigate Hong Kong protest crisis won’t solve public’s deep distrust of government, critics say
- Committee to investigate political and socio-economic causes of protest crisis – but few details given
- Panel compared to Ferguson Commission in US – but detractors say solutions needed, not more studies
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor on Wednesday said she would appoint a panel of experts to investigate the political and socio-economic causes of the city’s protest crisis, in what a government insider compared to the Ferguson Commission in the United States.
But some Hong Kong analysts were immediately sceptical, saying Lam’s panel fell short of a judge-led inquiry and that the scope of the protest movement and its glaring distrust of local government and institutions needed a solution – rather than more studies.
In a pre-recorded address, Lam announced that an independent panel would be appointed to advise the government in ways to address deep-seated problems in Hong Kong society. She did not say how many members it would have.
“After more than two months of social unrest, it is obvious to many the discontent extends far beyond the bill,” she said, referring to the extradition bill, which was finally withdrawn on Wednesday after three months of anti-government protests.
Lam mentioned a range of issues to be addressed, including housing, income distribution, social justice, opportunities for youth, and the public’s participation in the policymaking process.