Hong Kong: The Light, The Dark and the Long Term

I can’t speak for the rest of you in Hong Kong, obviously, but enough is enough.

That said there have been some real positives to come out of the revolting students (yes, I know, read it how you want!!) – or civilly disobedient – or even legally wrong. But, for example, I can’t remember the last time I actually heard birds singing in Chater Gardens during the day: coughing maybe, but singing?

The lack of traffic in Central suggests we should have more pedestrianised areas – especially if it stops drivers clogging up the road by double parking outside the Prince’s Building and creating misery for the general population. And there is something liberating about walking down the middle of the road from my office next to the Police Headquarters into Central. Thankfully it’s not too hot – or wet.

In terms of The Light, the students seem to have set an example by way of being environmentally friendly (in general), and that together with the lack of roadside pollution means they have achieved more for the environment in a week than the Government has achieved in 20 years.

And one more in the series of Light things is the fact that until now the general public have shown remarkable tolerance and sorry to those who want to bash them, but the police have been outstanding in their general restraint Yes the use of pepper spray and tear gas took place – but honestly, look around at other cities in the world and ask yourself if the tolerance levels would have been so high. Thank goodness this was not a demonstration in Ferguson, Missouri, USA – and the Occupy Wall Street movement got pretty short shrift. Demonstrations elsewhere in the world are often brutally broken up by the police. But here we are, 10 days on, and peace reigns.

The Dark is not so pretty. The students – who you will remember do not contribute to society by way of work or taxes – are claiming they have a right to demonstrate. That’s fine by me. But the taxi drivers, and the small businesses, and the office workers also have rights – don’t they? Who is protecting their business rights, and if as a result they go out of business will the students give any consideration to their predicament. This is not a one-way street. Everyone has some rights, but the student view is that they have a 100% monopoly on demonstrating. This shows a lack of both maturity and of understanding the world in which once they graduate, they are going to enter.

And the Dark has now entered a rather interesting new phase. Two new phases actually. The first consists of those who once again are prepared to write Hong Kong off; I heard today of a major firm expressing the view that for them Hong Kong is finished. Final straw. Sort of in support of the “lame duck” comment that I used in my last Blog perhaps. Also the news headlines (yet again) saying “Hong Kong Will Never Be The Same”. Frankly, no dynamic city in the world should ever be the same. Everywhere evolves, changes, moves one way or the other.

But the other new big Dark is now surely going to centre on the revelations today that Hong Kong’s Chief Executive may have been the recipient of some previously undisclosed payments from an overseas company. You know, whatever the truth in this particular matter is, I am pretty sure that it will be blown up to the extent that legal or not, C Y Leung will face calls to step down. If they don’t come from Hong Kong they may well come from China. President Xi Jinping has made very clear his abhorrence of corruption and if there is the slightest unpleasant smell about this, what better way than to remove an unpopular official?

How neat is that? The departure will not have been the result of student pressure, which would have been wrong anyway, and should see the temporary installation of an altogether more popular person in the shape of Carrie Lam.

And so to the Long Term.

I am sure that students, at age 17, 18, 19 will believe that anyone over the age of 33 is already ancient. But in 33 years time when they are in their early 50s and hopefully still in the prime of their lives, the privileges that Hong Kong has largely enjoyed under One Country, Two Systems will be subsumed into One Country, One System. And like it or not, from that moment on what China says –goes! And China has a long memory for names and faces. 

If the students real concern is about jobs, the cost of housing, and the environment – then I would more easily understand their frustration. But to hide under this notion that this is all about democracy and freedom – look around. As a letter in yesterday’s newspaper so correctly reminded us, even the admired (I think!) British parliamentary system requires candidates to be vetted before they are put forward for possible election.

We live in a world that is driven by short-termism which, at a time when people are living longer and when decisions are being taken hastily and with insufficient thought to the future, is rather bizarre.

Our students have made their point. It is now time though for others who also have rights to be allowed to get on with their lives and make an unhindered living for their families …  although I do like the pedestrianisation and cleaner air!!

Comments

[kk]

Mr David Eldon,

I am a journalist and doing a 2014 review of HK. CY Leung accepted the 400M pounds is still a mystery but so sad that the pro government lawmakers rejected all the possibilities to do an investigation about this case.

As you have written that "C Y Leung will face calls to step down." However, nothing happened yet and even President Xi Jinping has praised CY 's work.
What do you think?

[Henry]

You seem to be overly concerned about taxi drivers. As the Private Eye column (A Taxi Driver Writes....) amply illustrates,taxi drivers opinions aren't exactly representative.

I had that Chairman of Wayfoong Bank in the back of the cab once.

[Robert Bray]

As I remember Hong Kong became the wonderfully successful place that it is not from people worrying about anything political. The Hong Kong people who made Hong Kong what it is today did it through hard work and an incerdible entreprenurial spirit. I think those who have already commented about the increasing difficulty of the younger generation to get well paid jobs and financial security have got it right. Unfortunately this is the problem in any city in the world. We have simply got to be more inventive and creative perhaps than our forebears. This is regretably just how it is and it will not get better...only worse. But it really has very little to do with Politics in my view.

[Billy]

Interesting views, Mr Peaker. So tell us...

1. How did the students intimidate you? Did they threaten your safety? Did they destroy your property? Did they harass you any way? Or did they just make your trip to Hong Kong club 10mins longer?

2. How many Hong Kong born friends do you have?

3. You claim to support the rule of law. Have you studied "Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution"? It states that the rule of law is about “the absolute supremacy or predominance of regular law as opposed to the influence of arbitrary power”. Do you agree that China's insistence on the power to vet candidates constitutes "arbitrary power"?

4. Have you given up your own citizenship to become Chinese yet?

[Mark Peaker]

Enough is certainly enough, this is no longer a case of a well thought out protest, it has become intimidation from a bunch of children who feel only their view is the correct view, the fact that they are in the minority shows their complete lack of understanding of how democracy works; intimidation is a form of terrorism and I personally believe that the restraint shown by the police and the astounding silence of our Chief Executive are not acceptable; laws are there to be adhered to by all members of society, those who choose to break them must be arrested - now that Joseph Wong is 18, I hope he is arrested and spends the months leading up to his 19th occupied in his cell! Hong Kong is a magnificent city, full of talented individuals who will take our city to new and greater heights - AS A CITY WITHIN CHINA. This present bunch of hoodlums will eventually be forgotten ...

[Violet Ng]

I'm sick and tired of seeing the blame being passed around by the protesters.

They keep saying, "Naw, don't blame us. It's not our fault. It's the government for not bending to our will"

It's simple. The occupy action is conducted by the protesters. Cause and effect. They initiated the illegal occupation of public space, therefore they are to blame. To think otherwise is like suggesting a criminal shooting a hostage could say "Naw, don't blame me for shooting the hostage. It's the policeman's fault for not listening to my demands."

Secondly, the whole "happy birthday" song tactic is childish. All it does is remind me of a child putting fingers in their ear saying, "la la la, I can't hear you. Nyah nyah."

Do any of these protesters actually understand democracy? It seems like they're all dreaming of a utopia where *suddenly*, democracy will bring about affordable housing, high paying jobs, and solve all the world's problems.

I'd just like to tell all the protesters to grow up, get with the times, and go home.

We all want democracy eventually (who doesn't?), but this isn't how it's done, and doing a temper tantrum in the middle of the streets isn't going to achieve that goal. Stop being so bloody immature!

[Leslie]

This protest ISN'T about democracy at all, Hong Konger's enjoy just as much freedom as it did under British Governance, the true heart of the matter is the wealth divide, people are expressing their anger at the government for their lack and inability to progress in an ever increasingly competitive and expensive society to live, largely thanks to the US government and the Federal Reserve Bank for exporting its inflation around the world. Students and protesters think democracy or voting in a politician who would give them freebies will solve the problem, which in truth will only make it worst, as Karl Marx himself stated that "democracy is the road to socialism", and will only lead to an heavily indebted welfare state.

I don't have the exact figures, but I know for a fact that if you tally the number of protest in HK for the last 12 years, pre 2008 versus post 2008, it is a fact that post 2008 we had witnessed alot more protest and social unrest, this happens to coincide with the Fed's QE and zero interest rate policy (ZIRP), and it is no accident.

The social phenomenon that we are witnessing is a function of the monetary phenomenon (policies) of the Fed, but for some reason, no one connects the dots in the media.

[kwai-choi Chan]

...Did any White House officials meet with Mexican officials to express concern for the killed or missing students? Did any British officials summon Italian officials to convey alarm at the tear gas and water cannons? Was there world media attention to the attacks on Philippine youth? Where was the media frenzy? Why is it so dramatically different regarding Occupy Central in Hong Kong? http://www.globalresearch.ca/hong-kong-protests-why-imperialists-support-democracy-movement/5407032

[Mark]

Mr Eldon, I must clear up a point that seems to be key. The British system ONLY requires potential candidates to be vetted ONLY if you wish to represent one of the established Political Parties. There is the right of every registered voter (which only requires residential and age status) to stand as a candidate in any election. You require a nominal deposit and the initial support of a very small number (10-50) of registered electors.

You only need to see the ballot sheet for a typical by-election for an example of how the British system works, AND what the general public in Hong Kong wants and deserves.

Oh, by the way, the Protestors ARE looking after these small business men/women by asking for the contracted rights of the people to be delivered they are ensuring the future of Hong Kong for ever... not just for 33 years. A Democratic Hong Kong would not necessarily become just another city in China - it may just well guide China into being a big Hong Kong (just as valid an argument as yours that the one system WOULD be the old China).

[William Ericksen]

"And like it or not, from that moment on what China says –goes! And China has a long memory for names and faces."

Wow, abject surrender to authoritarianism and a mildly admiring allusion to the mailed fist of the Chinese Communist Party in two short lines - not an easy literary feat.

[David Eldon]

To Billy: You have in interesting view of, and clearly an insight into, my "wealth", but that is not up for discussion. However, I agree people should not run away and should make their views known. They should also know when to move onwards. And as others have commented, a dialogue does need to be held on the major issues surrounding this matter. Interpretation, for example, is a major issue of the Basic Law. What is also an issue is the fact that whatever is decided now, can be easily un-decided in 2047. Hopefully it won't be, but Hong Kong is not in a position of strength.

There is an issue, I agree, of how that dialogue will take place, but I suggest it should not be a dialogue confined just to the students, but other interested parties too - and no - not the tycoons.

I understand the British electoral system well enough, but I was writing a Blog, not a Book.

[David Eldon]

To OP: The street of Admiralty after 6pm and at lunch time is exactly where I go. There appears to be a reluctance for the general public to be overtly vocal, but have you been speaking to the taxi drivers? They are not a happy lot and I would not like to see this escalate into something unpleasant, and out of control. The students at least have had the courage to speak out, and I state again, I have no problem with the fact that people have opinions.
Has the Government ever listened to the voices of the people? I think that is a fair question that can be asked of many Governments around the world. There will always be groups of people in every country who feel their particular voice is not being heard, and are upset.

[OP]

Thanks for your concern over the democracy movement of Hong Kong.

I suggest you to go to the street of admiralty after 6pm, or during lunch time, you will see not only the students but the working adults, those who pay taxes to the government and 'contribute' to the society, are in support of the movement, or at least, they are enjoying the fresh air and the pedestrianized roads. If the large majority of HK citizens are affected, there won't be only 'two ordinary working class ladies' shouting at the students, but a mass rally by ten-thousand citizens. Hong Kong people are mature enough to rectify themselves, if the movement goes to the extent that it affects the livelihood of every classes in the society. As a tax payer, I feel regret that our generation is not doing enough on this, but have the students to take the point. BTW, has the government ever listened to the voices of us these years?

[LuiPlui]

From the RTHK discussion on Sunday, Oct 12, it is quite apparent that both the Students & The Occupy Central Grp.(OCG) aren't willing to make political comprises & intend to "go all in" with all their chips they have "won" so far!!!

History will judge whether that eventually "all-in" move - the only move they can play on the "river" - is an intelligent one or one that they will regret all their lives!

If their stubborn moves proved to be fatal to this "Democracy Movement", then the Students would, (in hindsight of course) discovered that they were the "sacrificing lamb" handed to the alter by the OCG!

The smartest move might turn out to the the OCG, irrespective how the "river card" will turn up - a win/win for OCG, and a Lost/Lost for both Students & HK citizens!!!

[Maria Boyde]

Should we not ask ourselves why do the students, as well as a lot of ordinary HK people, chose such a way to express their anger and grievances?

If one lives in the UK, one can write a letter to one's local MP to complain or seek assistance. Is there anyone or anywhere we can turn to in Hong Kong?

Should we not look at the root of the problem before blaming the students?

[Billy]

I am surprised by your lack of understanding of Hong Kong, a place that generated so much wealth for you. Maybe is it the wealth that blinds you from seeing any non-financial motives in people's lives?

Did you ever stop and chat to the students while you enjoyed your pollution free walk to work, before you decided to write about their motivation?

I am a 40 year old man. My parents fled China during the Cultural Revolution. When I was growing up my friends fled Hong Kong after the Tiananmen Massacre. I don't want children of our generation to have to flee from their home.

This is about not running away. This is about making Hong Kong _our_ home. This is about self-determination.

The fact that the system does not allow them to be represented does not mean the desire to determine ones own future goes away. See the Anti-Tung demonstration in 2003 and Anti-Patriotic Curriculum in 2012. The lack of a system that allows people to be represented politically only makes the process of self-determination more volatile, but does not stop it.

Finally your misunderstanding of the British electoral system is rather embarrassing. Yes do you need to be vetted by a party if you want support from the party. However, no one can stop you from running as an independent.

[David Eldon]

Thank you for the comments.
You state that Government should be run for citizens. I agree. My problem is that we do not have "Government" in Hong Kong at this point in time - we have a Civil Service that was called Government. Would it be better to have a properly elected Government that was accountable for its words and actions? Yes, of course it would - but the circumstances are what they are under the Basic Law.
You say that Government should maintain social order, and ask if it should be for the benefit of top tax payers only. Of course not - it should be for everyone - and the two ordinary working class ladies I saw shouting at the students the other evening are as entitled to have their own freedoms protected as anyone else. Don't you think so? My point about the students not being tax payers was only to demonstrate that there are people out there who do contribute to society by paying tax - and they are also entitled to be heard. Do you think it is only the student protesters who should be allowed a voice and a right to be listened to? Do the taxi drivers and the shopkeepers not have a voice too?

[an ex tax associate]

We should be clear for a few points here, one point is that government run for citizens. Should a society function such that an ordinary citizen could enjoy the freedom of speech and right to an affordable home?
We know well Adam Smith is a Brit and it was British government who created the economic miracle in Hong Kong - highest gini coefficient, affordability and mobility.
Should government maintain social order for the benefits of top tax payers only?
We know well who hold the wealth and what is left for the young generations.
If government is not functioning properly, should the citizens have say? If the government is authoritarian and no matter how bad it runs, nor how bad the majority of citizens complain, it still stays in power, is it sustainable?
We may not have the vote to overthrow the government, but we do still have the right to express ourselves, and fight to be listened.
David, please note, the aim of the demonstration is not to be back to British rule, we are fighting what we should be entitled. One may be just looking at how once living is being affected now by the demonstration, however, the focus is indeed the universal suffrage which would lead to a publicly elected governor who do goods to the citizens (not just the few top tax payers).

[Sukyi]

David,

I rarely wrote anything on the FB but I did a few times recently and in the view similar to yours. I do believe there are some values that should go beyond our political stances such as respect, compassion and understanding. Without these values, a society will be hopeless whether or not universal suffrage exists.

I also have seen some real positives to come out of the demonstration and, therefore, will try to work on a campaign that may help "liberate" Hennessy Road and Queensway from Causeway Bay to Central on Sundays.

[Winson Fong]

All the views are quite clear. But who are taking actions ?

[Winson Fong]

Provision of a life and an education should be voluntary, not conditioned. The students may be trying to find a better way for you folks so that you don't need to work 14-15 hours a day.

[David Eldon]

The thing that saddens me about your comments is that you seem to think the only view is the one portrayed by the protesters (many of whom seem to be asleep when I walk past them), and that therefore any opposing view is wrong.
In a democracy, which the students are pressing to have, all views need to be heard equally, even opposing ones.
And listening to two ordinary working ladies shouting at the student leaders last evening it is becoming clear that the goodwill and patience shown by Hong Kong people is beginning to wear thin.
It is time for some sensible and rational thought - and action. Blaming everything on Government and the police, and the employers plus the people who have worked hard all their lives to provide for you a life and an education is just not good enough.

[Winson Fong]

The government is contributing an equal part, if not more, to all the inconvenience caused. The CE and other senior officials are getting top class compensation but so far they are just passing all the anger and frustration of hundred of thousand people to Beijing. And for most of you who only border to blame the students and intensely or not ignoring all the dirty job by the police in cooperating with the triads, you should feel ashamed as the students have proved their courage over yours.

[June Wong]

Again, thank you for the piece, David. Enough is enough: the students have made their "point", and they should stop before it is too late. Btw, in my view the "point" of many demonstrators in fact originated from a general frustration surrounding the uneven distribution of wealth and the lack of prospects for most young people in society - and not really so much with constitution and "democracy"!! But they confuse the ideas!!

And as to the notion that only a small part of the roads were blocked, and doubts about whether businesses really suffered, etc etc - I wish to offer my own experience as a data point: global meetings were cancelled, spendings were curtailed due to difficult traffic, the image of HK has been negatively affected in the eyes of certain global firms (Why focus on HK? Why not go to Shanghai or Shanghai or Singapore instead? Seems so much trouble for no apparent benefit...). The negative effect is real.

I am fortunate enough that I am retiring soon and financially secure enough, but I feel bad for the future of HK, when I fear it is not channelling the energy to the right things. Please keep writing and sharing your thoughts...

[Winson Fong]

What I want to say is that : 1) the protests have blocked a small amount of roads (1-2km?) and the key "problem" is traffic congestion and fewer people taking cabs; nonetheless most people take it as the students have banned all drivers from using the roads; 2) some shops in Mongkok said that, with more crowd gathering, they didn't feel any impact to their businesses; it was only after some "anti-OC citizens" started the brutual assault to the students that they saw businesses deteriorated; 3)human rights is something granted instead of redeemed by tax payment; 4) yes demonstrations elsewhere would be dealt by more brutual forces, just like scandulous government officials or politicans would have stepped down ages ago if they were accused of land hoarding, lying, and even partnering triads to beat up students.