Beijing's top man in Hong Kong dismissive of democracy protests
“The sun rises as usual.” This is the message of Beijing’s top official in Hong Kong on National Day, which has been racked by ongoing democracy protests.
“The sun rises as usual.” This is the message of Beijing’s top official in Hong Kong on National Day, which has been racked by ongoing democracy protests.
The demonstrations, which are entering the fourth day, reflect the stand-off between citizens demanding universal suffrage and the governments of Hong Kong and the mainland, which have refused to back down on their restrictive election reform framework.
Zhang Xiaoming, director of the central government’s liaison office, responded to a barrage of media questions about the protests simply with: “The sun rises as usual.”
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his predecessor, Tung Chee-hwa, were tight-lipped.
In his opening remarks at a reception after the National Day flag-raising ceremony this morning, Leung did not mention the mass protests or the Occupy movement directly.
He reiterated that a popular vote, which would allow the city’s five million eligible voters to choose their next leader, would be an improvement from the current electoral system, which only allows 1,200 members of the election committee to vote.
Leung said the development of Hong Kong and the mainland were closely linked and urges the public to “build up the Chinese Dream hand in hand”.
The “Chinese Dream” is a catchphrase by President Xi Jinping urging the nation to build a prosperous society and realise national rejuvenation.
However, Leung’s remarks were greeted by jeers from League of Social Democrats lawmaker “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung, who ditched his trademark T-shirts and dressed in a suit.
Chanting slogans, he called for CY Leung’s resignation and for universal suffrage. He managed that for 30 seconds before being escorted away.
No other pan-democratic lawmakers could be seen in the morning’s event.
District councillor Paul Zimmerman, a former Civic Party member, brought a yellow umbrella – a symbol for the Occupy Central movement – in silent protest against police’s use of tear gas on Sunday.
“CY [Leung] and the Police Commissioner owe Hong Kong an apology, nothing less than an apology, for what they have done,” Zimmerman told reporters.
Meanwhile, other officials were concerned with the paralysed traffic on major roads in Hong Kong after protesters set up blockades, using fences, water-filled plastic barriers and phalanxes of umbrellas, strung with protest signs.
In fact, earlier this morning guests and officials had to arrive by ferry to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai to attend the flag-raising ceremony and reception.
Executive Council convenor Lam Woon-kwong suggested that the administration discuss with protesters in moving the gathering to Tamar Park or Victoria Park, in order to minimise the disturbance to the city’s traffic. He also called on the administration to hold a dialogue with the protesters’ leaders at an appropriate time.
Other executive councillors Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee and Andrew Liao Cheung-sing also called for calm and rationality, and respect for the rule of law during the protests.
Meanwhile, Secretary for the Civil Service Paul Tang Kwok-wai stressed that the government’s operations had not been disturbed by the Occupy movement and the civil servants would continue to perform their duties in a professional manner.
Undersecretary for Transport and Housing Yau Shing-mu said the government has contingency plans, but declined to provide details.
Separately, another Exco member Fanny Law Fan Chiu-fan clarified again on RTHK radio this morning that she had not intended to pressure police when she asked them to explain to the council why they used tear gas in Sunday’s protests, the day Occupy Central kicked off.
She said she would be willing to apologise if the police officers were not comfortable with her remarks.
