Hong Kong Columns 2014 Issue #2 by Cherie Poon September 2014. This is the month that Hong Kong citizens, or even people across the globe, will never forget. Undoubtedly, “The Umbrella Revolution”, or some will prefer the term “Umbrella Movement”, is one of the most historic moments in Hong Kong. It all started in late August when the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress declared that Hong Kong citizens will be granted universal suffrage, subject to the condition that the candidates have to be screened by a committee whose members are mostly “pro- Chinese government”. This sparked off a boycott by both university and secondary school students, eventually leading to the movement of “Occupying Central”. It has been more than 20 days since the “Occupy Central” movement took place and it seems like there has been no progress at all in terms of negotiations. In fact, from the minute that the police used tear gas against the protestors, the situation has escalated quickly – More and more people are now occupying central yet they are no longer fighting for a common aim, but rather for various purposes. “The Umbrella Revolution” is a very complex matter; in fact there are copious layers of issues that led to such situation. Personally, I have a different stance regarding to each layer of issue; one cannot simply categorise one side as “good” and the other as “bad”. Ultimately, it does take both sides to create a conflict. This article is not seeking to force readers to pick a side, but rather to view the layers of problems in both camps’ perspectives. Below is a very simplified summary of the perspectives of both camps regarding to each layer of issue. Aspect: Name of the movement Pro: This is a historical moment for HK as it is arguably one of the largest protests that has ever existed in HK. Therefore, it is correct to use the term “revolution”. Anti: Although this movement has a great impact, it should only be categorized as “movement” rather than “revolution”. The fact that “Occupy Central” is only in its early days suggests that the term “revolution” is not applicable in this scenario. Aspect: 2017 Proposal Pro: Whilst the proposal seems very rigid, it ultimately has promised a vote for each Hong Kong citizen. There are more than 7 million people in Hong Kong and therefore one could argue that it is reasonable that a nomination committee is required to screen the candidates. Moreover, Hong Kong belongs to China and therefore it would be unjust to say the proposal is terrible simply because the committee consists of members who are “pro- Chinese government”. Anti: One could argue that the proposal is very rigid. On one hand, it promises universal suffrage yet the condition gives an impression that it is even stricter than the current voting system. Aspect: Occupy Central Pro: It is a good method in making the Government aware of one’s concerns as this form of protest is relatively less disruptive. The fact that protestors cleared up the garbage that they created suggest that it is one of the most peaceful (large-scaled) protest in the world. Anti: Protestors have broken the law by occupying Central as it is an illegal assembly. Moreover, it is also very disruptive as evidenced by the fact that many schools had to close down for a week. Furthermore, the occupation of other places has caused a lot of inconvenience to HK citizens. Aspect: General aim of movement Pro: Everyone wants to fight for democracy. Without a doubt, this is an effective way of expressing one’s views to the Government and showing the dissatisfaction with the proposal. It is also very admirable how the protesters have stayed on the streets for so long just to fight for what they believe in. Anti: As days passed, one could witness that the original aim for the protest has been lost (Other aims will further be listed). There are increasing demands and threats to the Government that if protestors’ demands aren’t satisfied, further action will be taken. In fact, some of these requirements are irrelevant and unreasonable, suggesting that the whole purpose of the movement has fettered. Aspect: Aim 1: Fight for Democracy Pro: Without a doubt, it would be great to achieve democracy in Hong Kong, particularly with the majority of Hong Kong citizens agreeing that democracy seems to be the fairest political system. Anti: Democracy doesn’t mean that all the existing problems will be solved. In fact, it would be impractical in thinking that any country could ever become fully democratic. To many people, democracy represents different things and therefore one has to be careful when trying to “implement” democracy in Hong Kong. Aspect: Aim 2: Discussion with CE Pro: The original purpose of the movement was to have a meeting with the Chief Executive so that citizens’ views could be heard. By doing so, the whole movement could have been avoided. Anti: Protestors might demand for more if they were given the opportunity to meet the Chief Executive. If the Chief Executive refuses the demands, there is a great possibility that scale of the movement might increase. Moreover, there also seems to be no one who is willing or capable of leading and representing the protestors. Aspect: Aim 3: Police actions Pro: Ultimately, this is an illegal assembly. The fact that protestors refused to leave after the police warned them suggests that it is justified that reasonable force is used on the protestors. Anti: Some media has shown that police used tear gas on vulnerable protestors. The use of excessive force should be condemned, particularly when the protestors did not show any signs of trying to provoke the police. Aspect: Aim 4: New voting system Pro: The proposal certainly does not reflect the majority of HK citizens’ wishes and in fact, some could argue that it has become even more rigid than before. Therefore, a new voting system should be implemented. Anti: Whilst the proposal is not very satisfying, it ultimately allows all HK citizens to vote. HK citizens kept on insisting for a new voting system yet up to this point, no one has ever drafted a proposal for suggesting what the alternative voting system should be. Aspect Aim 5: Ask the CE to step down Pro: To many, the CE has not incompetent in handling this situation. Compounded with the fact he has not been handling general affairs in HK well for the past year, he should consider resigning. Anti: This aim is completely irrelevant to the movement. The CE may have produced unsatisfying results yet his incompetence has nothing to do with the protest at all. Aspect: Hong Kong- China relations Pro: Ultimately, HK belongs to China and therefore it is unfair to say that just because one is “pro-China” means that he/she will not look after the interest of HK. In fact, HK is currently depending a lot on China, in aspects such as tourism and military. The fact that HK enjoys such high degree of autonomy implies that China has been very tolerating. Anti: One may see the Proposal as an attempt in controlling HK in general, ensuring that the CE will still follow Chinese Government’s commands. In fact, the introduction of “National Education” in HK a few years ago can be regarded as an attempt to garner support for the Chinese central government through indoctrination. Therefore, it is justifiable to understand why HK citizens were so worried about a “Pro Chinese Government” candidate. These are only a few aspects of the issues of the “Umbrella Revolution”. No one knows how exactly how it would be resolved – some claimed that police force is the only way to stop the protest whilst some argued that it would be resolved if people were given a chance to discuss it with the Chief Executive. As I have mentioned before, I have different various views regarding to each issue and my role here is not to analyze which side one should support. However, without a doubt, we are all hoping for one thing – that everyone will be safe. Cherie Poon KCL PASS Vice-President 2014-2015 (The view of the author does not represent the position of the Society) ► Stay tuned for new Hong Kong Columns articles every Saturday. For more details, please visit kclpass/publications/hong-kong-columns and our instagram account @kclpass1415
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 15:06:48 +0000
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