Time for Hong Kong’s young and old to unite for a better future
Joseph Wan says the upcoming change in leadership in Hong Kong offers an opportunity for the younger generation to shake off their ignorant and unruly tag, and take an open-minded and confident role in political discourse
As the chief executive race heats up in Hong Kong, it is important to discuss the role of young people in the political arena.
For certain, 2016 was a year marked with extremes – from the rise of Donald Trump in the United States, to the “Brexit” vote in the UK to leave the European Union, and here in Hong Kong, the support for localists in the Legislative Council election. Now, 2017 is gearing up to be another year full of political intensity, especially for this city.
Indeed, whoever is elected Hong Kong’s next chief executive has to have the support of the majority of young people.
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“United we stand, divided we fall,” wrote Aesop, the ancient Greek storyteller. Today, the significance of his words are, I believe, more critical than ever.
Hong Kong can only grow and develop with a united base, or rather, a strong and broad “coalition” across sectors and generations.
The chief executive has a difficult job, and building such a coalition will be challenging. But I urge all our youth to be open-minded.
Whoever is elected to be our next chief executive has to have the support of the majority of young people
It is no secret that small groups of young people have differences with the leaders who govern Hong Kong. However, when I look at the current crop of chief executive candidates, there is genuine caring about the people and a desire to put our city at the forefront of scientific and business innovation.