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Letters

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification
The Thai government has approved a US$1.2 billion bid to host a Formula One race in Bangkok in 2028. This decision is not merely a bold move; it embodies vision and, most importantly, potential benefits to Bangkok and the rest of Thailand.
As spectators in the same region, we in Hong Kong find ourselves overshadowed once again by our neighbours. What measures could we take in response?
Typically, the reaction might be that we need not emulate others since we possess unique advantages that are incomparable. However, this stance may overlook the broader implications of regional dynamics and the benefits of active participation in high-profile international events.
The crux of the matter lies in our belief system regarding government spending: is the Thai government justified in investing a billion dollars with the expectation of substantial returns?
To gauge the potential benefits, let’s examine the impact of the Formula One event in Singapore. Before and during the race, the city hosts significant forums like the Milken Institute Asia Summit and events centred on private equity, venture capital and family offices, drawing an influx of visitors over six to eight days. This not only boosts tourism but also elevates Singapore’s status on the global economic stage.
If our goal is to elevate Hong Kong’s prominence once more, perhaps it’s time to initiate a dialogue. Why shouldn’t we consider similar ventures? Hosting a Formula One race could serve as a catalyst for economic growth, enhance our international reputation and reintroduce Hong Kong as a dynamic hub on the world stage.
By reframing our perspective and questioning our exclusion from such opportunities, we can explore new avenues to reclaim and even enhance our stature globally. It’s not just about keeping up with the neighbours; it’s about strategic growth and global positioning.
David T.C. Lie, chairman, China New Era Foundation, and member, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
City’s land shortage is really a planning problem
I refer to “Halt Lantau reclamation plan or risk Northern Metropolis bids: Hong Kong developers” (June 18).
The greatest drawback of the Lantau plan is that it never tackled the right problem. Conventional wisdom suggests that Hong Kong’s housing problem is a result of limited land resources. However, Demographia International Housing Affordability reports have consistently found that restrictive land use planning contributes to the lack of affordable housing.
Hong Kong follows an urban containment policy and restricts development in natural areas like country parks. As a result, built-up zones make up around 25 per cent of Hong Kong, while country parks and such represent 41 per cent. In addition, private developers own plots that remain undeveloped.
All this suggests Hong Kong faces an artificial scarcity of land, not a legitimate shortage. Policymakers should move in a different direction by reforming land use planning and prioritising housing affordability.
Nicholas Gao, Telegraph Bay
Israel’s Netanyahu enabled Hamas too
On the Fox News programme Sunday Morning Futures, while justifying US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted, “Why does Hamas exist? Because of Iran.”
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists committed horrific crimes against humanity in Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. The next day, The Times of Israel published an article headlined “For years, Netanyahu propped up Hamas. Now it’s blown up in our faces”.
The article explained how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bolstered Hamas to foster division between Hamas in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, thus thwarting the development of a Palestinian state.
In an interview last year, Israeli historian Adam Raz noted that “Netanyahu has been working hard to strengthen Hamas” since he was first elected as prime minister in 1996.
In 2009, Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to stop cooperating with the Palestinian Authority in their fight against Hamas, said Raz. In addition, according to Raz, when Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas stopped transferring money to Gaza in 2018, “Netanyahu saved Hamas by allowing in suitcases full of cash from Qatar”.
In interviews with ABC Australia last year, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and former Shin Bet security chief Ami Ayalon both confirmed Netanyahu’s role in enabling Hamas. Ayalon estimated that the amount Netanyahu allowed into Gaza was more than US$1.4 billion.
As senator, Rubio had introduced the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2024. At that time, he stated: “The barbaric terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7 by Hamas savages, reaffirms the importance of sanctioning the group’s enablers and the governments who provide material support to these terrorists.”
In a morally consistent world, at the very minimum, Netanyahu would be deemed a persona non grata and forbidden entry into the United States. In such a world, the standing ovations Netanyahu received when he addressed a joint session of Congress last year would be considered shameful.
I continue to be amazed by how ideology and selective perception can blind us to truth.
Terry Hansen, Wisconsin, US


Fiery crashes and costly karts do little to deter Hongkonger Han from chasing F1 dream

Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Tag Heuer and the rise of pastel watches

Beijing bets on a US$1 trillion sports boom to revive consumption, job market

Meet tennis No 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s fiancé, Oakberry founder Georgios Frangulis

Formula One (F1)

Why can’t Hong Kong invest in a Formula One race?

A race starts on the Marina Bay Street Circuit at the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix in 2022. Photo: AFP 

Thai cabinet approves US$1.2 billion bid to host Formula 1 street race in Bangkok

If the bid is approved, Bangkok will hold a Formula One race along its city streets. Photo: Getty Images

The layout of the Bangkok race could include an area near Chatuchak market. Photo: Shutterstock

How Asia can define the era of stablecoins

Stablecoins cryptocurrencies pegged to a particular reserve asset like the US dollar. The Asia-Pacific’s cryptocurrency adoption rate of 22 per cent far surpasses the global average of 7.8 per cent, according to a study commissioned by CoinDesk. Photo: AFP

Has Trump started another forever war? Not if Americans can help it

A protester in Los Angeles, California holds up a placard denouncing war following the US and Israel’s airstrikes on Iran on June 22. Photo: EPA-EFE

Demonstrators march in New York to oppose war with Iran on June 22. Photo: Getty Images/AFP

Opinion

Readers discuss how the city is being overshadowed by Singapore and Bangkok, why Hong Kong should reform land use planning, and the truth about Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas


Readers discuss how the city is being overshadowed by Singapore and Bangkok, why Hong Kong should reform land use planning, and the truth about Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas.
