My Take | ‘Setback’ shows all is not lost and world needs to know
- Cliff Buddle says there were traces of old Hong Kong as John Lee faced controversy and everyone seemed to have an opinion in a row over fake vaccine exemption certificates
Hong Kong’s leader promised a new chapter for the city when taking over the helm in July. A page, at least, has been turned. And the plot has now thickened.
The government has become embroiled in a storm over its move to invalidate vaccine exemption certificates. It is the biggest controversy to face Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu so far.
Lawmakers slammed the government. A court blocked the policy, declaring it to be unlawful. There has been robust public debate. The affair has even been described as weakening the authority of the administration. All we need is a (peaceful) protest and it will seem like the old Hong Kong!
Lee, no doubt, could have done without this row. It followed hot on the heels of his marathon policy address and is a distraction from the many pressing issues facing the government.
But the controversy can be seen in a positive light. It is a reminder of how Hong Kong used to be before the pandemic, the national security law, and the “patriots only” political system transformed the city.
Over the past three years, the room for public debate, especially views challenging the government, has narrowed. Opposition figures were arrested under the security law and like-minded groups disbanded. Some prominent media organisations closed. People became more wary of openly expressing their views. Meanwhile, dissenting voices in the legislature faded.