“Whatever the challenges ahead, nothing should bring this meteor crashing to earth, nothing should snuff out its glow. I hope that Hong Kong will take tomorrow by storm. And when it does, history will stand and cheer.” So concluded the historic remarks made in the last British policy address by Mr Chris Patten, the former and last governor of Hong Kong – an accurate prophecy.
With the introduction of the national security law, uncertainty about Hong Kong’s future is deepening, and the Legislative Council elections will be a fundamental turning point in the city’s development. The vast majority of Hong Kong people may not yet be aware of how this challenge will determine the fate of the city.
The core purpose of the upcoming election, as advocated by some pan-democrats, is to fight for a “35 plus” majority in Legco and use it as leverage to push for the “five demands”, by vetoing the government budget or even implementing non-cooperation.
However, I do have great reservations on this coming about, because of the fraught relationship between the traditional pan-democrats and the progressive young candidates, the remote chance of obtaining more than 35 Legco seats, and the political wisdom of the elected candidates in dealing with the Hong Kong government or even the central government.
Notwithstanding these reservations, I agree that Hong Kong’s political environment requires surgery. To be honest, I do not think it is good for either the opposition or the pro-establishment camp to win more than 35 Legco seats. We have to admit that neither camp is capable of resolving the political dilemma the city faces.
Society is deeply polarised and there appears to be little room for the rise of a rational or moderate party. Nevertheless, Hong Kong needs to be led by a party that believes in rational pragmatism, and which is responsible enough to grasp the moment and turn the crisis into an opportunity.
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Hong Kong lawmaker throws container of rotten plants in protest of controversial national anthem law
Hong Kong lawmaker throws container of rotten plants in protest of controversial national anthem law
Some people may criticise members of a rational or moderate party as opportunists with no political faith, or for actually being part of the pro-establishment camp, etc. But without the rational or moderate sentiment acting as a gatekeeper, “this meteor” is certain to just crash to the earth or have its glow snuffed out.
I hope that the rise of a rational, moderate party does happen for Hong Kong. And when it does, history will be the judge of its impact.
