Viewpoint: If Carrie Lam “cannot face up to the tough decisions now required...then she should step aside,” says former Chief Secretary of Hong Kong Anson Chan OpenFuture
NOT THAT long ago, one of my principal concerns was that, in the context of a world in awe at the rising economic power and influence of China, Hong Kong was beginning to drop off the global radar. I have always considered it vital that the international community not lose sight of Hong Kong’s unique economic, social and political status under the concept of “one country, two systems”.
Recent events have led to a complete breakdown of trust in the local Special Administrative Region government led by the current Chief Executive, Carrie Lam. Ms Lam showed a catastrophic lack of judgement. First, in trying to force through amendments to Hong Kong’s extradition laws that would allow handing over criminal suspects to the justice system in the mainland: it is completely incompatible with Hong Kong’s rule of law.
Unfortunately, some well documented evidence of the heavy-handed use of force, some at close range and in densely populated residential areas, has discredited a once widely admired and respected force. I fear it will take years to restore the public confidence that the force enjoyed. While young people are at the vanguard of the protests, the disaffection with the current administration spans a very broad spectrum of the community, prompting unprecedented public protests and petitions by professionals in the legal, education, medical and social services sectors, business interests, civil servants, church leaders, the elderly and mothers of young children.
In the current situation, moral courage and decisive, proactive leadership is essential, but Hong Kong is essentially a rudderless ship. The captain has left the bridge and government policy appears to be dictated from Beijing. While there is much about the current situation that is profoundly saddening, I am not without hope that, under the right leadership, Hong Kong can soon move forward once again. This can only happen if the central and local SAR governments face up to reality. The protest movement, composed in large part of well-educated and determined young people, will not back down empty-handed. Their future is at stake and they are prepared to dig in and fight for it.
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