Awaiting a Democratic Hong Kong.
I was thinking how during this heavy news day, with stories about detained journalist Mr. Ching Cheong, our late Deposed Premier Zhao Zi Yang leaving papers supporting democratic reform, the 16th anniversary of the Tiananmen Massacre plus Donald Tsang annoucing his "candidacy" for Chief Executive "Election" one very important fact seems lost in the fray.
The fact is: Hong Kong’s LEADER IS VOTED in by 800 People.
Other facts to Consider:
- 800 hand picked pro-china business people out of a city with a population of SEVEN MILLION.
- There are no other candidates.
(there are two "Alternative" candidates but they cannot gather the 100 votes needed for a nomination.)
Contemplate, discuss, and realize we have no freedoms to choose our leader at all.
Tsang opposes fast reform of politics in Hong Kong
Probable next leader of region sees lack of trust as key reason to go slow
2005-06-03 / Associated Press /
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| Donald Tsang, former acting chief executive, gestures during a press conference in Hong Kong yesterday, June 2, 2005. Donald Tsang moved closer to his widely expected selection as Hong Kong’s next leader when he won Beijing’s approval yesterday to campaign for the top job in this Chinese territory. Tsang is heavily favored because many believe Beijing values his long experience in the government and his popularity with the public. He would replace Tung Chee-hwa, who was perceived to be out of touch with the people./associated press |
Hong Kong’s likely next leader said yesterday he wants to move toward
full democracy gradually, echoing China’s line on the matter and
rejecting popular demands for quick democratic reform.
Donald Tsang said there isn’t enough trust between Beijing and Hong
Kong’s people to set a timetable for direct elections in this former
British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
"I think right now, to force a timetable (for democracy) is a very
difficult," Tsang, Hong Kong’s former No. 2 official, said in his first
campaign news conference.
Hong Kongers have held large protests in recent years demanding popular
elections, but China ruled out changes in the near term last year. Hong
Kong’s new leader will be picked by an 800-member committee loyal to
China on July 10, and Tsang is the clear frontrunner.
Political analysts have also doubted Tsang’s desire to fight for more democracy.
"He will be rather obedient to the central Chinese government," said
James Sung, a politics scholar at the City University of Hong Kong.
Sung said Tsang’s hands are also tied by Hong Kong’s economic
dependence on China, which has bestowed the territory favors such as a
free trade deal. Beijing has also sent more Chinese tourists here by
relaxing travel restrictions.
Critics say Tsang’s campaign for the leadership post is a political
farce because of his expected victory. The leader selection committee
is dominated by Beijing’s local allies.
Tsang’s two opponents – an opposition party leader and an ex-convict legislator – are considered long shots.
But Tsang said he didn’t think the election was a charade. He added his
goal wasn’t just to win the approval of the leader selection panel, but
also "the hearts and conviction of the people of Hong Kong."
Several activists protested outside the hotel where Tsang spoke,
denouncing Hong Kong’s electoral system, chanting, "small-circle
elections are beneath pigs and dogs."
Other than appealing to the 800 voters, Tsang promised to campaign
among the masses and take calls from regular citizens on radio shows.
He stressed his humble beginnings. "I’m an ordinary man from an
ordinary home," he said, adding that before he joining the government
he had been a pharmaceuticals salesman.
Tsang’s reluctance to paint himself as a full-fledged democracy
advocate will likely bolster his credibility with Beijing loyalists in
Hong Kong, who are believed to doubt the former colonial official’s
allegiance to China.
Yan Sham-Shackleton Online 