“Compromise is not a dirty word,” said the
outgoing British prime minister emotionally outside 10 Downing Street a few weeks ago. However, this lesson has not been learned by Hongkongers.
As a teenager studying in Britain, I thank my peers in Hong Kong for taking part in the
large democratic exercises against the unpopular extradition bill. The largely peaceful demonstrations once again bore testimony to the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the city. Nonetheless, I condemn the use of violence by some political extremists last week and urge them to stop now and find a consensus with the government.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has always spoken of wanting the extradition bill to pass. However, I am grateful that she relented at the last minute and rightly
suspended the bill. On the other hand, nothing is more disheartening than hearing the opposition announce the continuation of the protests regardless.
At this late stage, neither side should demand the unacceptable of the other. No doubt the fugitive offenders bill has its pros and cons, and top officials failed to
communicate sincerely with the public over the past few months. But, in a civilised society, rational debate is crucial. How many more disgraceful international headlines does Hong Kong need to make before people realise violence never opens the door to peaceful solutions?
Yes, free speech is arguably one of Hong Kong’s best-preserved legacies inherited from the British. But, let us not forget we also take pride in our rule of law and economic success as a world city. With people planning to go on strike, riots taking place, traffic paralysed and businesses severely disturbed, it is hard to calculate the massive losses the metropolis has suffered in exchange for the suspension of the bill.
I believe it is high time the opposition learned the virtue of mutual respect and joined hands in restoring social harmony for the common good.
My fellow Hongkongers, hang in there! Please do not lose hope in difficult times. Things are getting better at this beginning of the end.
Norman Wan, Aberdeen
Heart-wrenching to watch police crack down
My son and his fiancée were witness to the protests last Wednesday. I am not in Hong Kong at the moment due to an injury. It was devastating to see the place I grew up in, brought my children up in and love, being destroyed. It was heart-wrenching to sit here in Australia, in a wheelchair, and wonder if one of my children would be a victim of tear gas or other police brutality.
Elaine Ha, Perth
Can authority hear the voice of the people?
According to
your editorial of June 15 (“Government must do whatever it can to placate extradition row”), one of our Executive Council members has made her stance crystal clear: “But fellow councillor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee maintained that the government’s authority would be undermined if the bill was delayed or withdrawn.” And what can be scarier for an “authoritarian” government, than the fear of the people taking command?
Sven Topp, Mui Wo
