The student occupation of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, and subsequently the Executive Yuan, by hundreds of students may lend support to Hong Kong’s Occupy Central movement. The movement’s organizers said they have not ruled out the possibility of advancing the demonstration to July or August.
Benny Tai, one of the initiators of Occupy Central, wrote in an article titled “Occupy Legislative Yuan and Occupy Central” that the occupation protest in Taiwan has significantly inspired his movement’s followers. He went on to say that if the Government fails to deliver a satisfactory political reform proposal for the 2017 chief executive election, Occupy Central will be called into action.
He also threatened that if the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress amends to electoral methods for the Chief Executive to include obstacles, such as approving three to four candidates, or the Nominating Committee confirms candidates by plurality-at-large voting, also known as a block vote, then Occupy Central organizers may take action this August.
Inspired by the Taiwanese students, Tai said the venues for occupation could also go beyond Central, to also the Legislative Council and other places. Despite promises of “peaceful protests,” it is easy to imagine that the potential occupation of Central and LegCo, will spread to the Central Government Offices, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and the International Finance Centre. If that happens, it will undermine the cornerstones of our success ― the rule of law and political stability.
Our freedom of speech is protected under Hong Kong law, so everyone can express their views freely, including calling for universal suffrage. However, using Occupy Central as a means to intimidate others will only jeopardize Hong Kong’s economic development and the public’s well-being.
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce respects freedom of expression, we stand firmly behind it. However, in exercising our right, we must at the same time abide by the law and also respect others’ freedom. This is the core value of Hong Kong and in line with the judicial view that no one is above the law, as highlighted at a court verdict of unlawful assembly last year. The verdict sent a clear message that challenging the rule of law with unlawful action will not be tolerated in this society, regardless of the issue. Moreover, abiding by our rule of law is absolutely essential if we are to ensure a fair election. Unlawful or violent demonstrations will only jeopardize Hong Kong’s social order and international image.
If Occupy Central turns into a long-term protest and thousands of demonstrators clog the streets, it will block traffic and hinder people from going about their daily lives. Similarly, businesses ― from tea houses to small shops to international companies ― in the vicinity will be adversely affected. This is not what the people of Hong Kong wish to see.
Political stability and security are key factors that determine international companies’ decisions to set up business in Hong Kong. We are concerned that the radical elements supporting the Occupy Central movement will undermine our political stability and discourage international investors from investing and doing business in Hong Kong.
As a member of the Hong Kong community, the Chamber sincerely urges people from all walks of life to set aside their prejudices and discuss whatever controversial issue they have in mind in a rational manner -- instead of participating in radical or unlawful protests. After all, the costs of the movement will have to be borne by the entire community.
C K Chow
Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
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