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Peter G. de Krassel
Peter G. de Krassel is a strategic analyst, contemporary social commentator, author of the Custom Maid series of books, blogs and co-founder of the Pets Central Veterinary Network [email protected]
New York’s approach is focused on rezoning unused office buildings into flats, something Hong Kong can do with empty industrial and quarantine buildings. John Lee should use his executive powers to enforce a housing policy for the people and deliver long-overdue affordable homes.
Light public housing proposal is just the latest wasteful, expensive idea from the government in its efforts to fix the city’s housing shortage. Rather than waste money on more consultations and impractical, expensive solutions, Hong Kong should embrace a collective initiative to solve the issue.
Among the more than 74 million Americans who voted for Trump, many are diehard supporters who, having anticipated an unpalatable election outcome, have armed themselves and will not hesitate to take to the streets again.
Hong Kong has become one of the sticking points between China and the US. In the post-Deng era, Beijing has pivoted away from promises made to Hong Kong and failed to honour international norms.
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Donald Trump’s move to revoke Hong Kong’s special status is wrong on many levels, and Joe Biden must get back to business basics by recognising the ‘Made in Hong Kong’ label as a sign of quality and protection of intellectual property.
The much-discussed collapse of liberal democracy has raised questions over whether managed democracy or authoritarian rule is superior. But evidence from the US, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan suggest real democracy is alive and well.
If Trump loses the election, he will no longer be immune from criminal prosecution, putting him and his organisation in jeopardy. The confusion sown by Trump and his allies have left voters distrustful of results and could end the US’ history of peaceful transitions of power.
The Democratic convention showcased the togetherness of a party once fractured by disagreements between Bernie Sanders’ progressive wing and the centrist-moderate wing led by Joe Biden. But even if Trump is voted out, will he accept the result?
Most Hongkongers can agree on a need for a national security law. But the law should also consider Hongkongers’ concerns and fears, or it could cause an exodus of talent.
Although the handling of the national anthem and national security laws has been disappointing, Hong Kong has done an admirable job of coping with the economic crisis from the Covid-19 pandemic, as it struggles to contain a political crisis as well.
The singular advantage Singapore has over Hong Kong is affordable public housing. On all other fronts, Singapore is no better than Hong Kong. Even in the fight against Covid-19, Singapore is far behind Hong Kong.
Although democracy in action may be messy, people around the world prefer it to the alternatives because it is multifaceted and flexible enough to accommodate voters’ demands and the changing world.
Violent protesters have faced not only police brutality but also brigades of volunteers cleaning up after them. Hongkongers themselves – not the police, not the government – are leading the charge to get the city back on track.
Hongkongers have come to accept that street clashes and tear gas are the new normal. Many believe the city will bounce back, as it did after the 1967 riots, the 1980s industrial crisis, the pre-1997 panic and Sars epidemic.
Forget the gaffes, Trump has the Republican Party solidly behind him and a fan club of world leaders, while keeping competitors such as China on the economic back foot. This is the work of a mindful genius.
For too long, the Hong Kong government has allowed landlords and developers to get fat on runaway property prices. If Carrie Lam really wants to defuse the protest anger, she must radically overhaul the dysfunctional housing policy.
21st-century, social-media-savvy political activists are challenging autocratic rulers and their 20th-century mindsets
