#OpinionArticle
Standing on the Right Side of History
By Kai Chi Leung
Hong Kong has always been marginalized, its development fraught with conflicts. The earliest records show how areas near China’s coastal South, which is where Hong Kong is now, have been subdued by the powers of Zhongyuan (Central Plains in China) for over a thousand years. The expansion of Western powers in East Asia brought about Hong Kong’s establishment as a commercial port. Happenings before and after the Cold War also facilitated Hong Kong’s development. These historically significant periods were marked by local and even global clashes, it is thus safe to say that conflicts have always been an intrinsic part of Hong Kong’s history.
The main problem is ensuring one does not stand on the wrong side of history, to minimise collateral damage amidst these clashes, and to be prepared for what is ahead.
Clashes that Hong Kong faces today, as in the past, are largely a part of what is happening on a global level. It just so happened that Hong Kong has once again become the eye of the storm. The origin of these clashes is one party’s belief that the world functions entirely around the ancient 'law of the jungle'. There is reason for this mentality. After all, Hong Kong’s existence is a product of the West’s military prowess. If we were to apply the same mentality today and believe that we can restore our status through military prowess, it can only be seen as outdated and a misjudgment of the situation at hand. The world no longer goes by the same rules.
On the contrary, everybody else seems to have realized that the use of contracts is a much more cost-effective way to get things done relative to believing might makes right. Take the relationship between a government and her people for example. When a government earns her people’s endorsement through the social contract, her people will take the initiative to contribute and comply, subsequently leading to smaller chances of rebellion and less expenditure on maintaining social stability through force.
The same applies to relationships between nations. If nations act by the book, global interactions in the future becomes much more predictable and the cost of transactions will be significantly lower, thereby benefitting all parties involved. People have learned from history that having contracts is more effective, it is also understood as the contemporary way of to solve problems.
Regretfully, some people still live in the past, using century-old, obsolete frameworks to pursue their idea of a nation’s revival, and approaching the world with a vengeful attitude. As such, they ignore all forms of contracts and disregard the reality that contracts are the contemporary world's order and hope. A new round of clashes is thus sparked.
Where do the people of Hong Kong stand amidst these clashes? Faith is a must in these turbulent times. I do not have a crystal ball, but I believe civilization does follow certain paths in its development. Previously, the 'law of the jungle' was replaced with contracts, because contracts were found to be more advantageous fundamentally. Those who still stand in favour of the 'law of the jungle' must rely on self-proliferation, which is inherently self-limiting. Those who stand in favour of contracts, with the belief that all are equal, are those whose potential is unlimited. The choice is actually not that difficult to make.
History will judge the events that come after. No one has the same answer, but it is almost certain that without faith, one will not survive these ordeals.
I feel blessed to be living in this critical era and witnessing the progression of civilization. To be able to walk in faith with a million people is also an enormous blessing. In case I do not have the opportunity to say this in the future, I’ll say it here: My heartfelt thanks, Hong Kongers.
Written in Hong Kong
30 June 2020
Source: https://www.facebook.com/594642803906393/posts/3050566268314022/
#LeungKaiChi #History
Standing on the Right Side of History
By Kai Chi Leung
Hong Kong has always been marginalized, its development fraught with conflicts. The earliest records show how areas near China’s coastal South, which is where Hong Kong is now, have been subdued by the powers of Zhongyuan (Central Plains in China) for over a thousand years. The expansion of Western powers in East Asia brought about Hong Kong’s establishment as a commercial port. Happenings before and after the Cold War also facilitated Hong Kong’s development. These historically significant periods were marked by local and even global clashes, it is thus safe to say that conflicts have always been an intrinsic part of Hong Kong’s history.
The main problem is ensuring one does not stand on the wrong side of history, to minimise collateral damage amidst these clashes, and to be prepared for what is ahead.
Clashes that Hong Kong faces today, as in the past, are largely a part of what is happening on a global level. It just so happened that Hong Kong has once again become the eye of the storm. The origin of these clashes is one party’s belief that the world functions entirely around the ancient 'law of the jungle'. There is reason for this mentality. After all, Hong Kong’s existence is a product of the West’s military prowess. If we were to apply the same mentality today and believe that we can restore our status through military prowess, it can only be seen as outdated and a misjudgment of the situation at hand. The world no longer goes by the same rules.
On the contrary, everybody else seems to have realized that the use of contracts is a much more cost-effective way to get things done relative to believing might makes right. Take the relationship between a government and her people for example. When a government earns her people’s endorsement through the social contract, her people will take the initiative to contribute and comply, subsequently leading to smaller chances of rebellion and less expenditure on maintaining social stability through force.
The same applies to relationships between nations. If nations act by the book, global interactions in the future becomes much more predictable and the cost of transactions will be significantly lower, thereby benefitting all parties involved. People have learned from history that having contracts is more effective, it is also understood as the contemporary way of to solve problems.
Regretfully, some people still live in the past, using century-old, obsolete frameworks to pursue their idea of a nation’s revival, and approaching the world with a vengeful attitude. As such, they ignore all forms of contracts and disregard the reality that contracts are the contemporary world's order and hope. A new round of clashes is thus sparked.
Where do the people of Hong Kong stand amidst these clashes? Faith is a must in these turbulent times. I do not have a crystal ball, but I believe civilization does follow certain paths in its development. Previously, the 'law of the jungle' was replaced with contracts, because contracts were found to be more advantageous fundamentally. Those who still stand in favour of the 'law of the jungle' must rely on self-proliferation, which is inherently self-limiting. Those who stand in favour of contracts, with the belief that all are equal, are those whose potential is unlimited. The choice is actually not that difficult to make.
History will judge the events that come after. No one has the same answer, but it is almost certain that without faith, one will not survive these ordeals.
I feel blessed to be living in this critical era and witnessing the progression of civilization. To be able to walk in faith with a million people is also an enormous blessing. In case I do not have the opportunity to say this in the future, I’ll say it here: My heartfelt thanks, Hong Kongers.
Written in Hong Kong
30 June 2020
Source: https://www.facebook.com/594642803906393/posts/3050566268314022/
#LeungKaiChi #History
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#PublicOpinionPoll #Anaylsis
Should Incumbent Lawmakers Serve in Extended Term Under Beijing's LegCo Arrangement?
HK Public Opinion Research Institute (#HKPORI) released two sets of survey results from online discussion groups and phone interviews, randomly sampled.
Q: The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has extended the current LegCo term for no less than 1 year. Do you agree or disagree for incumbent lawmakers to serve in the extended term?
Survey results:
• Online opinion groups: Agree 35%；Disagree 47% Sampling threshold +/- 1%
• Random phone interview: Agree 37%；Disagree 41% Sampling threshold +/- 3%
==============
A few reflections are offered by CUHK lecturer and research Dr. Leung Kai-chi:
1. Methodology
Two sets of survey results were devised from different methodologies,
Since netizens and political figures were involved in mobilizing citizens to register and take part in this survey, this set of survey result can be used as a reference to those being politically influenced.
Interviews via phone calls (including landline and mobile) were randomly sampled, not being directly influenced by political opinion leaders. These set of survey result can be regarded as an overall reflection of the mass population in Hong Kong.
2. Beyond Methodology
Leading researcher of the survey, Dr Leung Kai-chi explained, “methodology cannot be a solution to all the problems as some are matters of value judgement.” For instance, should a lawmaker make a deciaion in accordance to HK people’s opinion or his potential supporters? In the same light, should legislators of Functional Constituencies only look into opinions of his/her constituency, disregarding the rest? Should there also be a middle-ground / alternative solution, or should lawmakers only follow a dominant opinion with an absolute majority support?
Dr Leung admitted that many disagreements may arise. He said “I do not have an answer to them. Hopefully, we can face these questions unruffled and in unity.”
Source: Dr Leung Kai-chi’s Facebook #Aug21
https://www.facebook.com/594642803906393/posts/3197828276921153/
#ProvisionalLegCo #Methodology #LeungKaiChi
=========
Further Reading:
#HKPORI Public opinion poll: a large majority of 76% Hong Kong citizens reject “Health Code” https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/24410
Should Incumbent Lawmakers Serve in Extended Term Under Beijing's LegCo Arrangement?
HK Public Opinion Research Institute (#HKPORI) released two sets of survey results from online discussion groups and phone interviews, randomly sampled.
Q: The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has extended the current LegCo term for no less than 1 year. Do you agree or disagree for incumbent lawmakers to serve in the extended term?
Survey results:
• Online opinion groups: Agree 35%；Disagree 47% Sampling threshold +/- 1%
• Random phone interview: Agree 37%；Disagree 41% Sampling threshold +/- 3%
==============
A few reflections are offered by CUHK lecturer and research Dr. Leung Kai-chi:
1. Methodology
Two sets of survey results were devised from different methodologies,
Since netizens and political figures were involved in mobilizing citizens to register and take part in this survey, this set of survey result can be used as a reference to those being politically influenced.
Interviews via phone calls (including landline and mobile) were randomly sampled, not being directly influenced by political opinion leaders. These set of survey result can be regarded as an overall reflection of the mass population in Hong Kong.
2. Beyond Methodology
Leading researcher of the survey, Dr Leung Kai-chi explained, “methodology cannot be a solution to all the problems as some are matters of value judgement.” For instance, should a lawmaker make a deciaion in accordance to HK people’s opinion or his potential supporters? In the same light, should legislators of Functional Constituencies only look into opinions of his/her constituency, disregarding the rest? Should there also be a middle-ground / alternative solution, or should lawmakers only follow a dominant opinion with an absolute majority support?
Dr Leung admitted that many disagreements may arise. He said “I do not have an answer to them. Hopefully, we can face these questions unruffled and in unity.”
Source: Dr Leung Kai-chi’s Facebook #Aug21
https://www.facebook.com/594642803906393/posts/3197828276921153/
#ProvisionalLegCo #Methodology #LeungKaiChi
=========
Further Reading:
#HKPORI Public opinion poll: a large majority of 76% Hong Kong citizens reject “Health Code” https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/24410
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📡Guardians of Hong Kong
#Poll #HealthCode
Public opinion: a large majority of 76% Hong Kong citizens reject “Health Code”
Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (#HKPORI) conducted an online poll “We Hongkonger Survey” from August 17 to 20, collecting citizens’ view on the…
Public opinion: a large majority of 76% Hong Kong citizens reject “Health Code”
Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (#HKPORI) conducted an online poll “We Hongkonger Survey” from August 17 to 20, collecting citizens’ view on the…
#PoliticalSuppression #WhiteTerror
Public Broadcaster in HK Removes Veteran Journalist and Academic From Shows
After the multiple arrests of media workers and the shutdown of #Apple Daily, the authorities continue to shake up the media industry in Hong Kong.
On June 28, 2021, #RTHK, the public broadcaster funded by the government removed #AllanAu (#AuKaLun), a veteran journalist and university lecturer #LeungKaiChi from a radio programme and a TV show, respectively.
They are both columnists well known for speaking up against injustice and making critical analysis from their professional expertise. They both taught at local universities.
They were notified of the station's decision at the last minute, namely on the same day. For Leung, the entire show he used to host was canceled and replaced by replayed programmes.
Just a week ago, snother RTHK radio host, Tsang Chi-ho, was sacked with immediate effect, despite his popularity in the show "Crazy and Happy". Before that, Tsang used to co-host Headliner, a popular political satire that was axed by RTHK after attacks by the pro-Chins camp.
Au has been a co-host of the current affairs show for 11 years. Au spent the last 20 seconds of the show to say goodbye to his audience. He reiterated that the motto of the phone-in show was to "speak the truth" and hoped everyone would take care.
Source: Stand News #Jun28
https://bit.ly/3gYKwuY.
https://bit.ly/2UCx2w4
#Censorship #PressFreedom #Journalism
Public Broadcaster in HK Removes Veteran Journalist and Academic From Shows
After the multiple arrests of media workers and the shutdown of #Apple Daily, the authorities continue to shake up the media industry in Hong Kong.
On June 28, 2021, #RTHK, the public broadcaster funded by the government removed #AllanAu (#AuKaLun), a veteran journalist and university lecturer #LeungKaiChi from a radio programme and a TV show, respectively.
They are both columnists well known for speaking up against injustice and making critical analysis from their professional expertise. They both taught at local universities.
They were notified of the station's decision at the last minute, namely on the same day. For Leung, the entire show he used to host was canceled and replaced by replayed programmes.
Just a week ago, snother RTHK radio host, Tsang Chi-ho, was sacked with immediate effect, despite his popularity in the show "Crazy and Happy". Before that, Tsang used to co-host Headliner, a popular political satire that was axed by RTHK after attacks by the pro-Chins camp.
Au has been a co-host of the current affairs show for 11 years. Au spent the last 20 seconds of the show to say goodbye to his audience. He reiterated that the motto of the phone-in show was to "speak the truth" and hoped everyone would take care.
Source: Stand News #Jun28
https://bit.ly/3gYKwuY.
https://bit.ly/2UCx2w4
#Censorship #PressFreedom #Journalism