Independence advocates are putting Hong Kong on a dangerous path, former Jockey Club chairman warns
Brian Stevenson says the city’s freedoms are at risk and that it needs to recover the can-do spirit that made it such a success
Hong Kong is on a “dangerous path” and risks losing its freedoms unless it finds a way to re-energise the can-do spirit that made the city what it is and finds a mature outlet for its political frustrations, according to a leading member of the non-Chinese community.
The outgoing president of the Hong Kong Rugby Union, Brian Stevenson – who over 46 years in the city has held senior positions in many of its key institutions – was supposed to talk about sport in an interview with the South China Morning Post, but the 72-year-old chartered accountant, felt compelled to issue a warning.
“It does trouble me. I’ve been very fortunate to have been part of that time when Hong Kong became a major financial centre. I’ve always believed Hong Kong was the most wonderful, can-do place ... I’ve been very disappointed what I’ve seen in the past few years. I feel we’ve slipped, we’ve got heavily involved in politics,” he said.
“Maybe it’s understandable to an extent, but I’m very disappointed with what’s happening.”