Ongoing democracy protests in Hong Kong that have drawn worldwide attention have resonated with some Richmond residents who still have ties there.
Referred to as the Umbrella Revolution, named so because of the umbrellas student protestors have used to buffet tear gas canisters fired on them by police earlier this week, it is a tense situation to watch from afar, said Coun. Chak Au.
“I think a lot of people are disappointed by the response of the Hong Kong government. What the people want is true, universal suffrage, said Au, whose mother and sisters still live there. It’s also where he was an assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong before moving to Canada in 1988.
The protests stem from China’s decision to restrict candidate nominations for Hong Kong’s election of chief executive to those who are loyal to the Mainland government.
“When I first heard the news I was in disbelief and I called my family there,” Au said. “They were quite worried about what may happen and concerned over the anxiety level of the people which will only increase the longer this goes on.”
Au added he’s not sure how the situation can be resolved as both sides began to dig in and fortify their positions after protestors claimed they would occupy government offices if their demands for a truly free election were not met, starting with the removal of chief executive Leung Chun-ying who is seen as a loyalist to Beijing.
“I am not sure how that can be achieved right now as the Hong Kong government has treated this as a law and order issue rather than a political one which can be resolved with discussion and some form of compromise,” Au said. “Something of this nature cannot be resolved by suppression.”
Au added he has been saddened by what he’s seen on TV newscasts when protestors were met with tear gas and pepper spray from the police.
“That kind of response only makes matters worse,” he said. “The past few days have been peaceful, but who knows what will happen in the future.”
Also calling for dialogue is Elsa Wong who is president of the Canada Asia Pacific Business Association, a group with many members who maintain business connections with Hong Kong.
“Both the politicians and citizens of Hong Kong want the best for Hong Kong; but the difference is that they all have a different way to go about it, and because of this, conflicts erupt and bad decisions could be made,” said Wong who is running on the Richmond First ballot for council in the Nov. 15 civic elections. “I believe that both sides are trying to reach the same goal, they may have different political views, but the end result is the same — a peaceful utopia where both citizens and businessmen can thrive.”
Wong added threatening the economy of the city or using force of violence is not the proper way for demanding negotiations, but hopes the sides can take a step back and begin peaceful talks.
“Let us hope that citizens of Hong Kong will keep on talking and reach a goal that has the benefit of the city and its future,” she said. “Let us hope that this will not end in steel and blood.”
