Carrie Lam must exercise political wisdom and convince public of sincerity

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor needs the utmost wisdom and courage to placate Hongkongers dissatisfied with her governance. The unprecedented turnout for Sunday’s rally proved the extent of unhappiness and resentment, necessitating a far-reaching response. An apology given by the government on her behalf as the march neared its end was a day late and, even though it was better than none, far from sufficient. Immediate measures are needed to calm tensions and ensure Hong Kong has the order and stability it requires to confront the difficulties faced.

Hong Kong leader’s tough style blamed for fuelling protests

Organisers of the rally, the third mass protest in a week, claimed almost 2 million people took part; police put the number at 338,000, but the count was only of those who marched along the initially agreed route. Whatever the true figure, there has never been so big a turnout for a demonstration in the city’s history. Coming a day after Lam had appeared in public to announce the suspension of the controversial extradition bill behind the protests and explain her actions, it was proof of how badly officials have misread public sentiment. Anger persists despite the apology and she has no choice but to make another appearance to prove her sincerity.

There are myriad demands being made by critics, among them the scrapping of the bill, an inquiry into last Wednesday’s violence in which at least 80 protesters, police and journalists were injured, and even Lam’s resignation. Hong Kong already faces challenging circumstances as a result of the trade war between the United States and China, and economic growth forecasts have been cut. The chief executive has Beijing’s support and for good reason; neither Hong Kong nor the mainland needs even more uncertainty and especially so with the Group of 20 meeting at the end of the month where President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart, Donald Trump, are expected to meet. Trump has already said he will raise the matter of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong cannot afford chaos. The city is a global financial centre and needs calm and stability to operate smoothly and maintain its standing. The violence last Wednesday was shocking, but, fortunately, the rally on Sunday was peaceful and there were no clashes with police. Protesters who had stayed around the Hong Kong government headquarters after the parade willingly left roads they were occupying and moved to less confrontational locations. This was a relief and is necessary so that there can be a return to normality and the city can move confidently forward.

Lam has admitted government deficiencies. She has pledged to adopt a “most sincere and humble attitude” and improve the way Hongkongers are governed. Now is the time to prove that resolve.