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Letters | Hong Kong does not need democracy. It needs a solution for its crippling wealth gap
- Tycoon privilege and the lack of social mobility are the reasons for the public anger behind the current protests. Shifting the focus to a loss of freedom – to instil fear of China – is disingenuous
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I would applaud Phil Chan and Paul Serfaty’s column “Six steps to serenity” (September 21) had I been a self-serving Hong Kong politician. The authors appear to be repeating the demands of those politicians, not of Hongkongers.
The issues behind the recent social rifts in Hong Kong are twofold: the privileged powers struggling to preserve the status quo, and wealth disparity.
Privileged people in a range of sectors were afraid to lose their colonial prerogatives as “one country, two systems” progressed. They then used democracy and the loss of freedom as excuses to instil a deep fear and hatred of China in the hearts of Hongkongers.
Wealth disparity caused by sky-high property prices and jobseekers being unable to find employment to match their expectations are also causes of some discontent. People who are out of a job and have no property are angry with those who own property and have a good job. Wealth disparity has resulted in mistrust and hate. The desire for revenge against the establishment has given rise to acts of violence.
Democracy does not guarantee a free, stable, wealthy and happy society. No one can predict what life will be like 28 years down the line. Why destroy our world-renowned city to prevent a make-believe bad future?
Hong Kong currently enjoys the world’s longest life expectancy, and is positioned high on the Human Freedom Index, ranking first in the Asia-Pacific for personal and economic freedom. Hong Kong has excellent health care, education and public transport systems, and is also a safe and fun city to live in. Sadly, with the continuing mayhem, Hong Kong will fade into world insignificance.
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