Letters | John Lee and his team must unite and serve Hong Kong
- Readers discuss the goals of the new administration, why Covid-19 risk exposure should be a matter of choice, and the ways in which Hong Kong airport is an embarrassment
The “one country, two systems” framework is an unprecedented policy. The special administrative region system, which conforms with the policy and Hong Kong’s constitutional status, is conducive to safeguarding the democratic rights of the people of Hong Kong. It has worked well in maintaining Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability over the last 25 years and is a policy that must be adhered to in the future.
With our new leadership team now in place, the team should be united and wholeheartedly serve Hong Kong and its people. As responsible leaders, they must have the courage to tackle challenges, face up to criticism and strive for better. After all, as John Lee Ka-chiu’s ultimate goal is to improve people’s livelihoods, all policies implemented must achieve that goal.
With the improvement of the electoral system, July 1, 2022 marked the beginning of a new chapter. Patriots administering Hong Kong is not a mere slogan. It should be the foundation on which our government is built. The future of Hong Kong and the implementation of policies depend on the leadership of our government and the efforts of all civil servants.
In the past 25 years, Hong Kong has given countless opportunities to its people and attracted many talented professionals from around the world to make this city a gem in the East. It is time for us to help cultivate a better future for our youngsters, an environment that provides more favourable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, sustainable livelihoods and a place that we are truly proud of.
Domestically and internationally, we are facing many hurdles and challenges. However, the world is changing, our country is developing, and Hong Kong must keep pace. Let us work together to maintain harmony and stability and create a brighter and better future.
Lusan Hung, Wan Chai
British Grand Prix attendance puts Hong Kong to shame
Over the July 1 weekend, Silverstone hosted the F1 British Grand Prix. In attendance were more than 400,000 spectators over the three days. That is around 5 per cent of Hong Kong’s population at a single venue and without masks.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong we are still not permitted to gather in public in groups exceeding four people, except when lining up for taxis, a bus or on all forms of public transport. We are still not even permitted to use public BBQ pits as they all remain closed.
I am sure some people will have been infected from attending the Grand Prix but surely everyone who attended was fully aware of this risk. The point being, life is too short and we need to move on.
We are vaccinated, aware of the health risks and should be allowed to make our own choices as to how we might, or might not, expose ourselves to Covid-19, just as we decide with anything that we do.
Simon Constantinides, Pok Fu Lam
Not-so-world-class experience at Hong Kong airport
We recently travelled to Australia on vacation after being stuck in Hong Kong for 2.5 years. We travelled with Singapore Airlines through Singapore since there were only two flights in June with Cathay Pacific to Brisbane. Our flight to Singapore was full, as was the SQ flight to Brisbane. SQ is reaping the benefits.
Arriving in Singapore, we put our passports on a machine that scanned them and we were through to the transit lounge. Arriving in Brisbane was equally impressive, with the same technology, and we were out in no time. It was a breath of fresh air to get out of Hong Kong.
To get back to Hong Kong, we had to stop in Singapore overnight. The SQ flight to Hong Kong had five people in business class and about 30 in economy.
Upon arrival at Hong Kong airport’s Terminal 1, we took the train to Terminal 2 and went through multiple manual checking stations – one of them for PCR and RAT tests, another checking that all documents were in order, another checking that the last checker was doing their job correctly and did not miss anything, and another where we waited for our RAT results and were given a quarantine order and a stern warning not to lose it.
We then took the train again and continued walking to the bus pickup point, where we waited about 20 minutes. The bus was a 30-seater that should not have passed its roadworthiness test.
There was no luggage compartment so luggage was placed wherever they could find a spot. The bus took the Central tunnel because it was cheaper (and slower).
Our dear airport looked like an abandoned hospital.
It took us two hours and 45 minutes to get to the hotel after landing.
The whole process was unnecessary, antiquated in terms of technology, and a deep embarrassment for Hong Kong.
Gershon Dorfman, Cyberport
