LettersHong Kong protesters and government must correct their behaviour to restore public trust

Actions by supporters of both sides in the ongoing debate not only fail to reassure the public but raise questions regarding their methods, motives and morality. Only being honest with fellow residents will help to heal the deep divisions in society.

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Chief Executive Carrie Lam signs a petition in support of the national security legislation for Hong Kong, as she visits a street stand on May 28. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 7:25am, 11 Jun 2020Updated: 7:25am, 11 Jun 2020

Out on my evening walk two weeks back, I was accosted outside the MTR by an elderly gentleman, asking me to sign a petition. There were banners flying and leaflets being distributed. As everything was in Chinese, I asked him what petition he was asking me to sign. He replied in English: “Support Hong Kong”.

I have lived long enough in Hong Kong to recognise, without reading Chinese, the posters that are from pro-China groups and the material that is from opposition groups. Just to be respectful, I signed the petition after adding the words, “one country, two systems”.

About 30 minutes into my walk, there was another group asking passers-by to sign the same petition. Before I was approached, there was a sudden ruckus and I saw a few ladies from the group collecting signatures chase away a youngster. From the few words of Chinese I could understand, it seemed like the youngster had written something provocative. He was fast and disappeared around the corner.

On the one hand, there was an elderly gentleman whom I trusted but who may have misled me into signing a petition which I may or may not have agreed with. On the other hand, there was this youngster who seemed to disagree with the campaign and ended up provoking the volunteers.

While there are deep divisions in society, this sort of behaviour from either camp does not build any trust among the public. In fact, one ends up questioning their methods, motives and morality.