Letters | 3 bold ways within our reach to lift Hong Kong

Readers discuss the benefits of a push for universal suffrage while shoring up the economy, why we should bring our own cutlery when dining out, and the ills of high property prices and unbridled capitalism

Hong Kong society

Letters

Published: 2:30pm, 8 May 2024

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Passing Article 23 legislation earlier this year was no small feat for Hong Kong. The Hong Kong government and the Legislative Council deserve credit for acting decisively and diligently. There can be more victories for the Hong Kong government.

I respectfully offer three suggestions government officials can consider.

First, the effort to push the economy forward is critical. The economy, however, depends on many factors. US-China geopolitics, the economy of China and the inflow of foreign investment, for example, are not within the control of the government.

Amid the broader tussle between the US and China, between China and the world, the Hong Kong government should consider adjusting the narrative to both fight for the economy and be transparent about the headwinds. There is no shame in how, after decades of prosperity and real estate booms, Hongkongers need to brace themselves for a few years of hardship.

Second, if the economy is not totally within its control, the Hong Kong government can have more influence on political reform. The term “universal suffrage” is mentioned 111 times in the Basic Law and its annexes. With the legislation of Article 23, the risk of unpatriotic acts has been minimised. This is an opportunity to revisit the idea of “universal suffrage”.

The Basic Law states that “the ultimate aim is the selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage upon nomination by a broadly representative nominating committee in accordance with democratic procedures”. The government should bring smart minds with different interests together to formulate a strategic game plan. A “universal suffrage” play would attract foreign investment from countries which embrace this system. It would serve as a compelling affirmation of “one country, two systems”.

Third, the Independent Commission Against Corruption is among the city’s most competitive advantages. Keeping corruption in check requires constant vigilance from the government and the independence of the ICAC. It is time to have the ICAC set up even more guardrails to ensure that the different cultures, under one country, two systems, will not contaminate the transparent system of Hong Kong.

The above requires courage, collaboration and commitment. With Article 23, a path to universal suffrage and a mission to keep corruption in check, Hong Kong will be able to truly showcase one country, two systems.

Olivia Tam, California

Avoid even eco-friendly single-use cutlery

I refer to the article, “Hong Kong’s single-use plastics ban: suppliers of eco-friendly tableware urge patience amid concerns over quality” (April 25).

Bring your own cutlery please to avoid even eco-friendly single-use tableware.

Non-plastic eco-friendly cutlery and tableware made from wood, bamboo or paper remain wastefully single-use only. If you dine out three times a week, three sets of utensils have to be binned, and a small mountain of 156 sets of biodegradable spoons, forks and chopsticks blight the environment over a year of a single person eating out.

It is true that non-plastic utensils are the lesser of two evils, as they break down better than plastic products that already permeate every nook and cranny of the ecosystem. Banning plastics has health benefits – it reduces microplastics insinuating into our lungs, gut and even blood stream.

But the diner need not master bendy newfangled Inspector Gadget non-plastic restaurant cutlery if you bring your own user-friendly kit. I reduce consumption of single-use disposables by bringing my moulded coffee cup (often gaining a discount at cafes in the process), refusing plastic straws and frequently bringing my own cutlery.

For travellers, a 10-day Japan tour for two will incur a whopping 60 sets of “break ’em apart” chopsticks over three meal sittings a day. Buy nice chopsticks and reuse them at each meal. Each pair makes perfect and practical souvenirs for dining out on your return home.

Joseph Ting, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

A thriving property market isn’t all good for Hong Kong

In a comment this week in the Chinese-language press, Centaline Property Agency founder Shih Wing-ching lauded the Hong Kong government’s withdrawal of property cooling measures, and said the city should welcome foreign investment in its property market.

However, the notion that high property prices stimulate economic growth fails to consider the broader impact on society. The concentration of wealth in real estate exacerbates income inequality, making it harder for individuals from lower-income brackets to access affordable housing. This perpetuates social division and reduces the potential for shared prosperity.

High property prices are in fact a significant obstacle to achieving common prosperity. When a significant portion of household income is spent on exorbitant housing cost, it leaves individuals with limited disposable income for other essential needs, such as education and healthcare. This financial strain hampers households’ ability to invest in their future and stifles economic growth from the bottom up.

Unbridled market forces bring negative consequences. Rather than blindly advocate for policies that favour the interests of the wealthy, we should prioritise measures that promote affordable housing, social mobility and inclusive economic growth.

Critiquing the detrimental effects of high property prices does not equate to hostility towards capitalism. It merely highlights the need for balanced and equitable approaches to addressing societal needs and ensuring the well-being of all citizens.

Stanley Ip, Sai Wan Ho