Opinion

Opposition’s departure from Hong Kong legislature signals the end of an era for democratic movement

Right or wrong, the pan-democrats’ decision to resign en masse will leave Legco without an opposition, and the system without functioning checks and balances

Even if they do not intend to give up on legislative politics altogether, the path back will be challenging. Many may well leave the scene entirely

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Anthony Cheung Bing-leung is chair professor and adviser in public administration at the Education University of Hong Kong and a former secretary for transport and housing (2012-17).

Published: 9:15am, 17 Nov 2020Updated: 9:17am, 17 Nov 2020

In the 1960s, the Barisan Sosialis (Socialist Front), formed by the expelled left-wing members of the governing People’s Action Party (PAP), led by Lee Kuan Yew, was once a formidable political force in Singapore. But it made a major strategic mistake by not taking part in the 1968 general election, allowing the PAP to grab all the parliamentary seats.

Since then, the PAP has become the entrenched ruling party, winning every election. Barisan was unable to make a political comeback and finally dissolved into the Workers’ Party in 1988. That lesson has taught many politicians in the region that no matter what, never withdraw from the parliament or any election.

Last week in Hong Kong, following a decision by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee that prescribes the criteria for disqualifying a legislator on the grounds of advocating independence, refusing to acknowledge China’s sovereignty, seeking foreign intervention or endangering national security, the local government immediately removed from office four pan-democrat legislators. Their candidature in standing for election to the next legislature was earlier annulled by the returning officer.

The pan-democratic camp was in such an uproar that it decided to resign en masse from the legislature. After legislative elections due this year were postponed due to the pandemic, the NPC Standing Committee extended the term of the present legislature, allowing all incumbent legislators to continue serving for the rest of the term.