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Legislator Junius Ho

2019-02-03
Dear Vanessa,

I have been thinking about the last discussion we had concerning the economic and political developments in Hong Kong, and I want to pick up from where we had left off last week.

In the past two and half years, Hong Kong experienced steady economic growth but the call for improvement on social and other issues from various parties remain loud. While both the Administration and the legislature worked hard to formalize policies and legislation to ensure Hong Kong’s stability and growth, legislators from the Democratic camp were by and large uncooperative and raised objections to the proposals put before them.

On many occasions, they were uncivilized. Their use of language was colourful and painted the Right as their villain. They staged protests inside the Chamber and scripted filibuster tactics to interrupt proceedings from within - and one of them even had the audacity to commit theft, by snatching a mobile phone from a female government officer, to play the hero! Their actions have subsequently prompted a review of the house rules of the Legislative Council. In response, the Left played the victim. They argued that their freedom of expression on the views of the legislative proposals was being threatened. Funnily enough, the amendments to the LegCo house rules were merely meant to streamline the LegCo proceedings to prevent further unsubstantiated delays caused by the Left.

Legislators are entrusted with the responsibility to look after the interest of Hong Kong and to ensure that the Government is functioning effectively. Yet, the legislators representing the Democratic camp often used the legislature as a platform to advance their political agendas, in lieu of their promise to the people of Hong Kong. Case in point is their attempts to force an investigation into the UGL incident and to challenge the Secretary for Justice’s prosecution power. They were distinctive examples of unreasonable and ill-intended ploys to pursue political gains through the abuse of public resources.

The Democratic camp gish galloped their way in hopes to counter the passage of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (Co-location) Bill last year. They went as far as accusing the pro-establishment camp of supporting the Bill because they were pledging allegiance to the NPCSC. However, they missed the point of the enterprise: to enhance the infrastructure and to facilitate effective commute between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

On the proposal for enacting a National anthem law, the Democratic Party makes unfounded allegations that the introduction of the national anthem bill is a move of the SAR government or the Central People’s government to stifle the freedom of speech or movement in Hong Kong. That is of course untrue. It is actually a universally well-accepted norm that every nation would expect their nationals to respect their own national anthem and treat it solemnly when it is played in ceremonial session. The democratic camp somehow demonizes the passage of such law to be equivalent to making all of them to succumb to Chinese Communism. This is totally uncalled for.

Indeed, they should not get confused the national anthem as the party anthem of the Chinese Communism. Those who are well trained and educated should not mislead others unless of ulterior motive.

Another example was the disqualification of certain elected members of the last LegCo election and the eligibility of candidates running for seats in the Legislative Council at the recent rural election. The disqualified LegCo members made a mockery of themselves at the swearing-in proceeding, which was televised, live. Instead of pledging allegiance to the Hong Kong SAR and to observe the Basic Law they pledged to the ‘independence of Hong Kong’ and ‘self-determination’. To their surprise, failing to adhere to the provisions of the Basic Law means that they were not only unqualified for the part but also tremendously lacking the awareness of what they are signing up for.

I sigh as I am writing this. We need legislators who can really contribute to the well being of Hong Kong rather than playing senseless pranks to jeopardize the future of Hong Kong - our future!

To ensure continued stability and prosperity, Hong Kong needs lawmakers who would engage themselves in rational debates over public policies with an open mind, and who are prepared to ‘put things back on the right track’. It is time for the Democratic camp to review its past actions and to act more civilized in the coming year. They should be more focused on their roles as responsible legislators and discharge their responsibilities properly as well as in the best interest of the people of Hong Kong, not theirs.

Looking ahead, I hope that all legislators would work closely as a team regardless of their political affiliations, and try to resolve differences in opinions through rational discussions instead of engaging in a senseless bout of wordplay whether at LegCo meetings or in public. It is only with a concerted effort that we could best serve the people of Hong Kong, and make Hong Kong the best place for living, doing business and nurturing young talents!

I also look forward to having more exchanges with you in the coming year to keep you abreast with the latest developments in Hong Kong, and how we may contribute to the betterment of Hong Kong.

Best,

Junius

Letter To Hong Kong

                                                               
Politicians and public figures from a range of backgrounds take turns to have their say on important matters of the day in this personal view programme.

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