Just SayingEnough of Canto-chauvinism: Hong Kong’s non-Chinese residents should not vote for lawmakers who refuse to use English
Yonden Lhatoo argues that if lawmakers can’t be bothered to reach out to non-Chinese voters in English, they don’t deserve their votes in the September election
It’s time to make a stand this year. I refuse to even consider supporting any candidate from my district who puts a Chinese-only pamphlet in my mailbox to solicit my vote for September’s Legislative Council election.
It’s as simple as that, all you politicians out there. If you can’t be bothered to explain your election platform to me in a language I can understand, why the heck should I vote for you?
Of course, my lone ballot may be insignificant by itself, but keep in mind that there are many, many registered voters in Hong Kong like me who can’t read Chinese. If all of them took a similar stance – and I dare say many of my friends do – their support could make all the difference to some parties.
Keep in mind that, this year, we’re expecting the most fiercely contested election in our city’s history, in a changed and highly polarised political atmosphere. It looks like every vote is going to count – including mine.
Yes, I’m sure residents of The Peak or Discovery Bay are sent bilingual or English pamphlets, but let’s not forget that there are many more of us in not-so-white neighbourhoods across Hong Kong who would appreciate similar treatment. My estate in Hung Hom is full of non-Chinese residents.