Letters | Before asking for democracy, Hong Kong rights champions must live up to democratic values

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People wearing face masks are seen on a street in Hong Kong on December 25. Hongkongers who share the common goal of achieving democracy should live up to its principles and respect diverse opinions. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 6:45am, 2 Jan 2021Updated: 6:45am, 2 Jan 2021

The unprecedented and devastating social unrest in the second half of 2019 left a permanent scar on our already polarised city. In the name of democracy, we saw radical elements go on the rampage, throwing petrol bombs, occupying university campuses and even beating up those who dared to stand up against them (“Victims of Hong Kong’s violent protesters have rights, too”, December 22).

Although the protest movement cooled down over the past year amid the raging pandemic, name-calling, finger-pointing, doxxing and misinformation still feature in our political landscape. The battleground has simply shifted to the internet where blue and yellow camps constantly exchange insults.

However, ironically, amid the heightening tension, the so-called champions of democracy yielded to irrational discussion, escalating violence and hostile actions. Instead of living up to the spirit of democracy, we have actually compromised its principles by discouraging basic mutual respect and diversity of opinion.

We, proud Hong Kong citizens, all share a common goal to achieve democracy and make Hong Kong a better place. Under the leadership of this incompetent and undemocratic government, it is fair to see genuine democracy as the only way out of our predicament. However, after a year and more of bitter bickering, we should conduct some soul-searching and regain our bearing. Otherwise, we would be heading towards a procedural but dysfunctional democratic system.

As we usher in 2021, let’s give each other a chance and bury the hatchet.

Gary Lam, Sheung Shui