It’s time for healing, says Lam

MOVING to heal divisions fuelled by the Occupy Movement (佔領運動), the government has launched an ‘Appreciate Hong Kong’ (欣賞香港) scheme that provides free entry to museums and amusement parks, and other goodies for citizens.

The campaign, which began last Monday, mainly benefits the disadvantaged.

A commentator said the scheme is aimed at creating a more harmonious atmosphere in the city ahead of yesterday’s district council elections.

Chief Secretary for Administration (政務司司長) Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (林鄭月娥) said many people are concerned that calls for political reform have led to a growth in radicalism, divided the public and caused stagnation.

Lam said when the Legislative Council (立法會) voted down government reform proposals earlier this year, the chief executive asked officials to focus on economic and livelihood issues.

“I have seen two kinds of reaction. The first [involves people] worried about Hong Kong’s situation and asked what they can do for the city ... the other relates to Hong Kong being deeply problematic, and that people would leave if nothing is done,” the chief secretary said.

“I think you have heard about a trend in emigration, that people are leaving Hong Kong.” Lam said both scenarios show the need to do more work.

The term “appreciation” in the new campaign refers to four key factors. They are appreciation of the city’s beauty and efficiency; gratitude to Hong Kong; understanding its difficulties, such as fluctuations in the global economy and land shortages; and, fostering development by making the most of opportunities throughout the region.

Chinese University (中文大學) political commentator Ivan Choy Chi-keung (蔡子強) said such campaigns have a limited effect, but must be carried out to satisfy Beijing.

(This article is published on The Student Standard on 23 November 2015)

Bless Hong Kong
www.blesshongkong.hk/en

CS launches ‘Appreciate Hong Kong’ Campaign
www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201511/16/P201511160826.htm