One country - do as we say

April 6 2004

One country two systems died today. The Chinese government's Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed binding "interpretations" of two annexes to the Basic Law, the post 1997 constitution of Hong Kong.

The interpretations will give Beijing the sole right to determine when changes may be made that would give the people of Hong Kong a bigger say in electing the Chief Executive and the law makers of the city.

This ruling follows months of media barrage from the Chinese government attacking Hong Kong's democratic party and activists, calling them unpatriotic.

The real impact is that the people of Hong Kong will have no say on how they are ruled. So much for Hong Kong's "high degree of autonomy" in the government of the city.

It should be noted that this interpretation was not requested by Hong Kong. Indeed Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa was simply informed that this would happen.

In simple terms it is now a fact that the Basic Law can be changed by interpretation of the Chinese government whenever Beijing feels threatened.

For Taiwan and President Chen there is a certain "I told you so". One country two systems was meant to be the experiment in Hong Kong that could lead to a harmonious reunification with Taiwan. Chen can now clearly say that is not the solution for Taiwan's young democracy.

Tung Chee-hwa predictably made no fuss about his loss of authority. He has just been told that he has no decision making authority in Hong Kong. Did he mutter a word of protest. Of course not. What he should have done; what a decent man would have done, is resign immediately.

Nor did he make any protest for the rights of Hong Kong' people. Hong Kong has no constitution. It has a rule book written in Beijing. Just like all the other provinces of mainland China. Get used to it.

Realistically what does this mean; Hong Kong is driven by money. The city is run by and for business. The Hang Seng is unlikely to be impacted by this news and most of the people will still go about their daily lives working out how to make more money than the next guy in the queue. It is perhaps just a sign of how much has changed; how unrealistic the basic law was and how much we are willing to bend to the will of China in order to be able to do business with this massive and soon to be world leading economy.

The British Press has expressed well considered concern.

Hong Kong's Lantau cable car is underway

2 March 2004

As Hong Kong bounces back the new focus of the city's development is Lantau Island. Lantau is bigger than Hong Kong island and used to be a sleepy rugged place; great for walking. There was the famous Po Lin temple and the Big Buddha. There were a few villages and some quiet beaches.

Then came the strange little expat enclave at Discovery Bay; rather like Hong Kongs's answer to Portmerion. But then they built the new HKG airport which opened in 1998 with the highway and rail infrastructure. The town of Tung Chung grew out of no where mainly to support the new airport. Disney is building a themepark at Penny's Bay on Lantau and now a new cable car will take visitors from Tung Chung to the monastery, saving perhaps an hour's ride on a bus or minibus.

It is a spectacular island; assuming the island is not choking in smog this will be a great trip and a very popular attraction.

The story is covered in greater detail below:

It is finally all systems go for Hong Kong’s imaginative cable car project, which will link Chek Lap Kok airport with the iconic Big Buddha statue and Ngong Ping monastery on Lantau Island.

A ground breaking ceremony was held on February 9 to open what has been acclaimed a major new tourism attraction. It is due to start carrying passengers in 2005 in conjunction with the opening of Disneyland.

“The cable car will add a new dimension to the Hong Kong tourism industry and bring economic benefits to the people of Hong Kong,” the CEO of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTR), Mr C K Chow, said.

“It will be a brand new tourism experience,” he said.

Hong Kong Tourism Board chairman, Ms Selina Chow, added the hi-tech cable car system would combine heritage with the stunning natural landscape of the high, jagged ridges and woodlands of Lantau.

Early completion of the world-class facility would help sustain the growth and development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry, Ms Chow added.

Tourism Commissioner, Ms Eva Cheng, said the system, based on the highly successful eco-friendly cable car that runs over the rainforest near Cairns in tropical Australia, would bring a new dimension to tourism.

“In two years, tourists to Lantau will increase significantly,” Ms Cheng said. She vowed the government would “continue to invest in tourism hardware and software to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as the most popular city destination to tourists in Asia”.

The cable car system will run 5.7km from a terminal at Tung Chung near the airport to a village on the Ngong Ping plateau near the statue and monastery. Initially, there was opposition from environmental groups, until MTR and tourism officials displayed proof that the system would not interfere with the ecological system and wildlife.

All pylons and other work will be dropped from helicopters to avoid building access roads across the untouched mountains.

The 17-minute trip on the cable car will replace an arduous journey on the Lantau Island buses now. This will significantly reduce diesel and noise pollution on the island and cut much of the road traffic on restricted and narrow roads.

Originally there was also opposition from the Buddhist monks at Ngong Ping, who feared the installation would cut into profits from the restaurants and other outlets they operate.

MTR will build a cultural village which will include a Buddhist learning centre, education components, tourism, retailing and international cuisine. Spokesmen say every aspect of the environment has been carefully designed to keep environmental impact to a minimum.

Patriotic Games

21 February 2004

A week ago flying through Hong Kong the newspapers were full of the debate over what defines a patriot in Hong Kong. Today flying through Hong Kong the same debate is still on the front page.

China Daily stirred up the latest debate: the newspaper argued that those who rule Hong Kong must love the motherland (China) and must safeguard the fundamental interests of the country. The China Daily editorial was outrageous. It basically said that dissenting views, debate, foreign interference and discussions of democracy should not be tolerated.

I have argued before that one country two systems will not last the planned 50 years. It may not even last for 10 years. China's expectation is one country one system.

China Daily said that "some people in the SAR, who are currently in positions of power, do not meet this pre-requisite to be rulers of Hong Kong. They are not willing to live under "One Country". They keep on hassling the SAR government and the central authorities. They are opposed to legislation for national security, organize or participate in activities against the central government, invite foreign intervention in Hong Kong affairs and lend open support to Taiwan independence."

Beijing is clearly trying to intensify the political reform debate; and to move Hong Kong away from a move to greater democracy.

It is simply not good enough to brand the democrats as unpatriotic. There is nothing wrong with loving your country whilst also seeking political reform. The two can, and often do, go hand in hand. You can have pride in your nation irrespective of your political persuasion.

The danger with such an emotional term as patriotism is that anyone who is defined as unpatriotic can find that they are persecuted for a crime that they have not committed. The 500,000 Hong Kong Chinese who marched last July were not unpatriotic. The students in Tianenmen Square were not unpatriotic. Many patriots embrace and want change because it makes the country that they love a better place.

Patriotism is not blind obedience to the government of a country. Patriotism is about what is best for the people and for the country; not necessarily for its government.

Is it patriotic to accept a government that suppresses critical information on infectious diseases (SARS and avian flu), that does not allow religious freedom; that seeks to control freedom of speech and association. True patriots will look past this and should be applauded for doing so. Being patriotic is about what is best for the people not for the ruling party. This is the message that Hong Kong could help promote.

One for the people - or political expediency

September 5 2003

Tung Chee-hwa has withdrawn the proposed new security law in Hong Kong. We should all be celebrating. This is truly a victory for the will of the people and reflects the huge unease that manifested itself in the massive peaceful demonstrations in Hong Kong on July 1, 2003.

But lets look a little deeper. Tung still says that new security legislation is required. But he is clearly now going to wait until after the 2004 Legislative Council elections before he tries to rally public support for the legislation. It has not really gone away - it has been deferred. And it has been deferred in order to bolster the pro-Beijing parties in the upcoming elections.

And I fear that this was not Mr. Tung's decision. He jumps when Beijing says jump. Beijing believes that the demonstrations were more to do with the recession in Hong Kong that with distrust of the legislation or of Beijing. That people simply found this as an issue that they could rally around to vent their frustrations. And Beijing does not want a Hong Kong that is seen as anti the motherland. Their is a bigger prize at stake in the re-unification of China - and that is Taiwan.

So Beijing has been bending over to bolster Hong Kong's ailing economy; individual (as well as group) travel is now permitted, and encouraged, from China to Hong Kong. A free trade has been entered into between the mainland and Hong Kong.

And it will be Beijing that said to Mr. Tung, this is the wrong time to push through the new security law. The hearts and minds of Hong Kong's people are won through jobs and prosperity.

Still, it is a lesson for the Chinese authorities and the Chinese people, wherever they may be; the people do have a voice; and that voice demands attention and if that voice is loud enough then action must follow.

Tung tied

17 July 2003

As this website has advocated for some time Anthony Leung and Regina Ip have done the only decent thing; they have both resigned from Tung Chee-hwa's cabinet in Hong Kong.

Predictably Tung missed a terrific opportunity to show that he was in control and to send a positive message to the people of Hong Kong.

It was all so unplanned and unco-ordinated.  Regina Ip, was first to go as she quit as the Security Secretary; then a couple of hours later came Leung's resignation as Financial Secretary.

Ip was a very unpopular minsister; Leung has been dis-credited ever since his ill-judged car purchase.

Tung could have announced the resignation of both, at the same time, as part of a cabinet reshuffle, and with their replacements already to take over. The he would have looked in good control.

But no ! And worse still he paid a flowing tribute to both ministers; when really he should have been distancing himself from them. This would have been a good time to quietly welcome their departure; it was the wrong time to express regret at their respective decisions.

Removing Ip and Leung from the cabinet would have been a decisive action and a positive response to the recent protests in Hong Kong. People would have applauded. Instead they have removed themselves.

Instead of a carefully thought out cabinet reshuffle Tung is now left without two of the most senior members of his cabinet.

Finding new talent willing to join this failing cabinet, and willing to pledge their reputations to work for an ineffective and un-respected leader, is a hard task indeed. This government needs new life; there are great economic and political challenges ahead, and security laws to be implemented. New life and new talent needs new leadership. Hong Kong is a great city; its people deserve better leaders.

Hong Kong's crisis and Beijing's dilemma

9 July 2003

In a land where saving face is ingrained in the culture have no doubts how much face Tung Chee-hwa has lost.

And the speed with which he has been dumped by his erstwhile allies in the Liberal Party and the the

Tung has withdrawn the proposed security legislation that was demanded by Beijing. In doing so he has undermined his authority and embarrassed his master in Beijing who hand-picked him for the Chief Executive's role in Hong Kong.

It is a massive victory for all the decent, hard working and articulate people of Hong Kong. It is a vote for reason and common sense. It is a belated acknowledgement that the people have a right to be heard and that their concerns deserve attention.

In demanding that the puppet government (that is what it was) push through the security legislation Beijing clearly misread the mood of the people of Hong Kong. Beijing has woken up to the fact that the people of Hong Kong are not as compliant as the mainland Chinese and that they cannot be bullied into submission.

What Beijing does next will say much about the future relationship between Beijing and Hong Kong and much about their commitment to one country, two systems.

In a western democracy, the government of Hong Kong would have massively lost a no confidence vote; and election would be held and a new government elected. Hong Kong is now rudderless. The Chief Executive has seen his first officers scurry away into their political lifeboats. He is left on the bridge, maybe with the faithful and foolish Regina IP, and they will be the last to leave. The biggest hope is that they do not go down with the ship.

After all the collapse of the security act and the clear statement of independence and confidence by the people could be just the shot in the arm that Hong Kong needs to bring foreign confidence and investment back into Hong Kong.

Will China replace Mr. Tung? The Basic Law makes no provision for a leader to step down mid term other than allowing him to resign for "ill-health or other reasons". But this will embarrass China's leaders who have publicly stood by and praised Mr. Tung.

And what precedent does this outburst of public disaffection set for the mainland. Suddenly it appears that at least in Hong Kong people want a greater say in how they are governed. Maybe one of the results of the SARS outbreak is people have discovered that there is more to living life than making money.

My guess is that in three to six months Tung Chee-hwa will be too ill to continue in office. He will get a nice fat pension and retire. It is far less clear who would replace him. His successor will then pass a significantly watered down anti subversion law early in 2004.

One lesson that the people of Hong Kong have learned now is that they can make a difference and they can cause change to happen. They should never be under-estimated again. Theirs has been a wake-up call not just to Hong Kong and China but a call that could reverberate around Asia.

Get out, be heard, speak up while you still can

Protest in Hong Kong on 1 July 2003

30 June 2003

On July 1, the sixth anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to China, there will be the biggest demonstration to date against the new security laws being proposed by the government of Hong Kong under Article 23 of the basic law, and likely to be passed into legislation on July 9 2003.

Perhaps the most telling reason to condemn this new legislation is the wave of protests that have been raised through professional and religious groups. Many of Hong Kong's' most articulate, educated and thoughtful people see the potential damage that this legislation can cause, and understand how its provisions can be used to muzzle their own voices and to take away their freedoms.

Academics. journalists, church representatives, lawyers, human rights representatives have all articulated their concerns and will be at the forefront of the protests.

For the business tycoons who run Hong Kong and who dominate its unelected government this legislation is a part of their duty to China and continues to smooth the way for their trading links and investments. These people are too busy making money to understand the potential dangers of this unhappy legislation.

If you are in Hong Kong and have any love for the city and its people you should join this protest on 1 July.

Timetable of Events:

Hong Kong's flawed law

Editorial; The Guardian, 30 June 2003

Repression in Hong Kong

International Herald Tribune 28 June 2003

Taking advantage of preoccupation in Hong Kong with the SARS epidemic, the territory's pro-Beijing government has been pushing along a noxious national security bill that would leave the territory vulnerable to the sort of political repression common on the Communist mainland. It may be too late to block the law, which looks likely to pass on July 9. But it should be made clear to Beijing that nobody buys its justifications for this repressive measure.

Some governments, including the United States and Canada, have already protested, as have many human-rights organizations, prompting predictable squawks from Beijing against meddling in its internal affairs. That can hardly be said of opponents in Hong Kong, who turned out in the tens of thousands on the 14th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square uprising, and now plan an even larger protest against Article 23 for July 1, the anniversary of the turnover of Hong Kong. The resistance draws on an expanding coalition of human-rights groups, independent politicians, trade unions, journalists, academics and students. They have correctly identified the bill as a challenge to their autonomy and fundamental freedoms, and as an attempt to impose China's arbitrary legal system on Hong Kong through the back door.

China argues that Article 23 is not much different from the laws of some democratic states. That may be so, but democratic societies have checks and balances that China and other Communist states do not; in the latter, national security laws have long been a primary tool for silencing critics and subverting freedoms. The fate of Falun Gong is but one example. Another is SARS: Under the new law, the dogged newspapers of Hong Kong might have been forced into the same disgraceful and dangerous silence as the mainland press.

China's rulers have also portrayed Article 23 as a critical test of national sovereignty. It is really an assault on the freedoms they promised to respect in Hong Kong for 50 years. Even if the bill cannot be stopped, it should be widely exposed and condemned for the repressive measure it really is.

And "So" the story goes....

15 June 2003

The unfortunate Ms So has apparently admitted to the Thai police and to the Hong Kong media that she fabricated the gang rape allegations.

This makes her selection of a tuk tuk driver as one of her alleged assailants from a line up particularly malicious.

The Thailand authorities have arrested her and it looks as though charges will be made. And although many people can feel rightly aggrieved at her behaviour pressing charges is probably not the answer. She is a stupid; she was malicious; and she is probably not all there mentally.

Deport her from Thailand, back to Hong Kong with an agreement form the Hong Kong authorities that they will give her a psychiatric evaluation and revoke her passport for a minimum of two years.

Let's not have a trial. Let's not make an example of her. Let Thailand show dignity rather than vindictiveness. And let's hear no more about this rather depressing story.

Hong Kong - still not cleaning up its act.

5 June 2003

I do keep complaining about Hong Kong; maybe because one day I hope my adopted city will change dramatically for the better. But the lack of leadership, the lack of public thoughtfulness and the inability to deal with the most visible and noxious of issues in the city will keep tourists and business people away from Hong Kong.

I was walking over the rocks in the bay by the market at Stanley at the weekend. As well as the usual graffiti, cigarette ends, plastic bags and drink cans, there was a large amount of broken glass. No one ever seems to clean this place up. And what gives people the right to leave their debris behind in a place that is one of Hong Kong's best known tourist spots.

Masks are still widely worn. They are also widely discarded. The city is basically a large dustbin. People do not care. The government has increased the littering and spitting fines; but this only works if these fines are rigourously and consistently imposed. They are not. The city still looks like it is under siege. This is not an image that will quickly bring back visitors. Action is needed; not comforting words.

Hong Kong has been battered by SARS. It dealt with the outbreak particularly badly. And there seems little in place that can prevent a further outbreak at a future date. The government was probably aware of the outbreak of SARS in Guangdong earlier this year. But Hong Kong's government avoids (at its peril) Interfering or challenging Chinese domestic affairs.

And inevitable SARS spread over the border with the daily rush of cross bored traffic into Hong Kong...and the city was not prepared. Many company's have disaster/crisis management plans. Hong Kong has to have one as well. And Hong Kong needs independent experts to review what went wrong before and to recommend how to avoid making the same mistakes.

Yet all the indications in Hong Kong suggest that the government is more concerned with shooting the messenger than taking action to deal with the message. Article 23 could be used to control the flow of news through the media in any future emergency. Hong Kong needs its free press. It needs its free press to campaign for action and to educate its people. In the SARS epidemic this legislation has been forgotten; it should be carefully reviewed in the light of the recent epidemic.

AND NOW THE GOOD NEWS

By Nury Vittachi
 

2 April 2003

There is a dangerous virus spreading through Hong Kong. It is NOT atypical pneumonia. It is panic. All outbreaks of any high-profile pathogen or disease (cf the UK's Mad Cow disease) have two major effects. A tiny proportion of people are hit by the disease itself. A large number of people, organizations and entire industry sectors are hit by the panic that accompanies it.

Yes, you should be careful and take all precautions as advised by your medical advisor, but no, you don't have to panic and flee Hong Kong

1. You don't have to stay at home. At the time of writing (first week of April, 2003), more than 99.999% of people in Hong Kong are completely free of the SARS virus.
2. An increase in numbers doesn't mean people in every apartment block have it. The virus's growth pattern shows a tendency to remain tightly clustered - for example in the Prince of Wales Hospital and Amoy Gardens.
3. Ninety-nine people a day die of flu every day in the United States alone. Of these 99, about 30 die of acute respiratory problems. In Hong Kong, 16 people have died over a month.
4. In any large city of this size, there are hundreds of pneumonia sufferers at any time, of which several dozen have some form of atypical pneumonia.
5. Yes, the virus does mutate. But this doesn't necessarily mean it continually gets more virulent. Scientists note that as SARS spreads, it is significantly weakening from carrier to carrier.
6. The media may call it a killer virus, but the survival rate among those hit in these clusters is 96%.
7. Yes, we all care about our children, but very few kids get it - careful examination of lists confirms that victims tend to be elderly people with a direct physical link to the clusters.
8. Contaminated places get clean by themselves. The virus dies without a carrier. Some scientists estimate its life as three hours, others say a little longer, but all agree it cannot hibernate. In other words, you can even check into the Metropole Hotel floor 9 without fear.
9. The virus is believed to die when the air temperature reaches 27 degrees C. One hot Hong Kong day could fry all traces of it on exposed surfaces.
10. You can keep your air conditioner on in the office. Ward 8B in the Prince of Wales Hospital shares an air conditioning system with the infected Ward 8A. But there was not a single infection in 8B.
11. Many people assume the "growth model" of the virus will follow sci-fi movie scenarios. Evidence suggests it is more likely to follow the Guangzhou experience, where it spread for a few weeks and then started to contract.
12. The flood of panicky emails from a variety of people, including doctors who should know better, is not helpful. One email doing the rounds is instructing people not to exercise, for example. Panic creates muddleheadedness.

Consider the facts above. Hong Kong is our home. Stay calm. And stay healthy.

Recommendations for protection from SARS

28 March 2003

The following guidelines were issued to staff at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong. They are hugely sensible and are clearer than anything I have read in the press. Please use these to help keep your loved ones safe and well. Please also remember to exercise common sense according to your home environment. Panic responses can diminish our wisdom and often lead to irrational decisions and over-reaction.

Guidelines for Protection of Individuals and Family Members

(from Anti-SARS Task Force of HKW Cluster)

Principles in controlling spread of droplet/contact infection

To isolate/segregate infectious and potentially infectious individuals.

To minimize close human contact and unnecessary human contact (including reduction of unnecessary human traffic).

Self protection and protection of family members:

Three simple steps:

Protective mask

Hand Washing

Self-imposed segregation

Guidelines for Protection of Individuals and Family Members 

I. For everyone, adults and children: - 

1.    Avoid going to areas with too may people. Wear a N-95 or surgical mask if going to cinemas, theatres and concerts.

       (Surgical mask is more comfortable but must be disposed of when wet. N-95 must be worn properly without any leak.  Single layered paper masks are not effective.)

2.    Avoid restaurants that are too crowded.  Do not share tables with strangers.

3.    Avoid unnecessary travelling to Shatin, Tseung Kwan O and their neighbouring areas.

4.    Keep a mask with you and wear it in crowded places such as public transport vehicles and area full of crowds (shopping malls/markets).

5.    Avoid kissing and minimize shaking hands in social encounters and activities.

6.    Wash hands with soap regularly after touching any objects suspected to be contaminated.  Wash hands before and after each meal, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and lips with unwashed hand/fingers.

7.    Children and students should wear masks to schools, but must ensure they do not touch the external surface of the masks, and wash hands after touching them.

8.    Parents of young children (play-groups, kindergartens and P.1-3) can consider keeping them at home for 2 weeks (or further if necessary).  Outings should be kept to a minimum with observation of the previous guidelines. 

II.     2.For individuals with suspected symptoms:

1.    High fever, muscle aches and chills/shivering are symptoms of significance, and doctors should be consulted if they last more than 24 hours.

2.    Go to the most nearby doctor of your choice, and wear a mask at all times.  If SARS is diagnosed, you will be transferred to the designated HA hospital.  Also make sure people who accompany or transport you are wearing masks.

3.    Take X-Ray chest and blood tests as recommended by the doctor, and also take repeated X-Rays as instructed.

4.    If you are suspected to have contracted SARS, your family members and accompanying persons must also wear masks when they are close to you.

5.    Cancel all social engagements and rest at home if SARS cannot be totally ruled out by your doctor.

6.    Make a note of your activities in the past seven days, and the people that got close to you that might have been infected.  Inform your doctor accordingly.

7.    Keep a list of your close encounters after the onset of symptoms, and inform your doctor if the SARS diagnosis were  made.

       Although some of the above measures might be considered excessive by some, they are nevertheless easy to comply and be supervised.  As we are facing an unknown but potentially deadly virus with an unpredictable outcome, we prefer to be over-protective rather than complacent at this very critical time. 

Hong Kong's flu fears

28 March 2003

Its not been an easy few years for Hong Kong. The latest threat to the city and its worn down people is the outbreak of atypical pneumonia - SARS. As of today there have been 367 diagnosed cases with 11 deaths.

Sadly most of those who have contracted the illness are either health workers or are family of close contacts of health workers.

The Hong Kong government has been too slow to respond. The result has been huge concern, misinformation and something close to panic.

In the meantime cities like Singapore have enacted quarantine legislation and closed their schools.  Belatedly Hong Kong has now followed suit and all schools will be closed until 6 April. In addition 1,080 people who have had close contact with SARS carriers will be quarantined.

Clearly Guangdong province's reluctance to report its SARS cases and to seek out assist form the world health organisation has greatly aggravated the spread of this virus. One welcome lesson would be much greater co-operation between Chinese and international health organisations.

Other fall out from the spread of the virus:

Rolling Stones concerts have been postponed in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Face masks have been selling for up to HK$100; there is always someone in Hong Kong looking to take advantage.

All arriving visitors to Hong Kong will be required to complete a health declaration from tomorrow. Do not expect that this will have any significant practical effect.

One event that is going ahead is the Hong Kong Sevens rugby. Medical experts in Hong Kong say that this is a mistake and have been critical of the organisers. The president of the Hong Kong medical association is on record as saying that "if it was up to me I would have postponed the event". We should all be concerned that his advise has not been taken.

Why take a risk? For everyone's well being in Hong Kong and for the restoration of some confidence in this battered city the government needs to take a hard line and ensure that the virus is eliminated.

One country, two systems -

holding back Hong Kong

16 November 2002

"One country, two systems" remains a phrase created by the Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping largely to appease the British and to calm the people of Hong Kong. In 1997 the term seemed appropriate as Hong Kong set out upon one of the great experiments of the 21st century - capitalism under the world's biggest communist regime.

Five years on; this same concept holds back Hong Kong. The world's biggest communist regime is the world's biggest one party ruled capitalist regime. Even the Communist party is now embracing capitalists and entrepreneurs into its ranks.

Under the two systems concept Hong Kong was to enjoy the capitalist system and its way of life. Mainland China would stick to its socialist system. But Hong Kong has no democracy. No elected representation of the people. Worse still we are basically governed by big business taking care themselves; not by career politicians looking for the wealth and stability of the nation.

Economically, socially, culturally and politically Hong Kong is becoming more and more tightly bound by the grip of its new master. Economically its dependence upon China grows daily; socially, there are large-scale influxes of mainland immigrants and visitors. Culturally, its unique East-West character is steadily waning, becoming more like another Chinese city, just take a trip to Shatin town center if you doubt this. Politically, Hong Kong has moved further away from any semblance of a democratic society. Despite polls showing public support for Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa at only 30 percent he was still re-elected  unopposed to a second five-year term as the chief executive although not directly elected by the people but by a special electoral committee managed by China.

There is also the clear increase is self censorship by Hong Kong's previously unrestrained press as the consequence of infusions of Chinese capital into their operations.

At the time of its takeover, China promised that Hong Kong would be ruled by its own people and that its economic system would remain unchanged for a 50-year period. Five years on we are ruled from Beijing and substantially dependent on the mainland economy.

Cross border interaction dominates daily lives. Hong Kong's brightest and best look to China for work as the Hong Kong economy struggles. In 2001 Hong Kong's almost 7million residents made 117 million cross-border trips. Why do they go - for many it is simply that the cost of living across the border is so much lower. Simply put, Hong Kong's cost structure is too high relative to its productivity and its competition.

This week the government interfered, sorry passed legislation, to prop up property prices. This is not what Hong Kong needs. Lower property prices might upset home owners and the property developers but they also reduce costs encouraging investment and new business start ups.

Hong Kong's guaranteed 50 years of autonomy and self governance may be its very downfall. Hong Kong needs to be a part of a region attracting investment and tourism, a region managing the environment and a region that welcomes and nurtures talent.

Name one major world event that now take place in Hong Kong. The investment and leisure dollars are starting to bypass Hong Kong and move directly to China. Mission Hills announced last week that by 2004 their facility will have ten eighteen hole golf courses making it the largest golf facility in the world. Hong Kong cannot compete with investments of this scale; therefore we have to share in the prosperity that this can bring to the region.

We need more rapid integration that that proposed under one country two systems. It seems a nonsense that the existing border is the difference between an average annual salary of US$20,000 and an average annual salary of US$5,000. The two have to come together at a rate set by the market, not by the border.

There are great advantages in Hong Kong's lifestyle and its autonomy. Hong Kong residents pay no taxes to China. The civil service remains effective and clean. The ICAC goes after wrongdoing wherever it is found, in Hong Kong and mainland companies alike. The Falun Gong, banned on the mainland, remains legal here, albeit marginal. Organizations like the Center for Human Rights in China continue to operate here.

And above all a stable and transparent legal system with an independent judiciary perceived to be meting out justice fairly is the underlying guarantee of everything else. It is also a decisive competitive advantage for Hong Kong's economy. But ask any educated person across the bored and they would welcome an active anti corruption authority and a transparent legal system.

Over the last five years developments in China and the region have made clear the need for significant adaptation in the operation of the "one country, two systems" arrangement.

Improving cross border traffic flows, better co-ordinating infrastructure developments and tourism initiatives, is all a step in the right direction. Hong Kong people already look more positively towards China.

It is time to go further. One country, two systems says we are different and have different goals. Actually those goals are coming together very quickly. In should not take us two generations to reach full unification. This concept needs to be re-thought and new targets set. One example might come from the USA. The states still have significant authority over issues such as taxes and the judiciary; but their are no barriers to the movement of cash and human capital.

Misguided prejudice

5 November 2002

I am glad I am not James Tien, the chairman of Hong Kong's Liberal Party. I would not be able to sleep for embarrassment.

Yesterday he proposed that foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong should be taxed HK$500 per month to help with the budget deficit.

The minimum wage in Hong Kong is HK$3,670. Many maids only make this amount despite six day weeks, responsibility for children and long hours.

Under the tax system in Hong Kong no tax is payable on earnings less than HK$9,000 a month. The Liberal parties proposal is rank prejudice.

Why the Hong Kong cricket sixes portend more bloodshed to come

5 November 2002

Living in Hong Kong are active, significant and vocal minorities from across Asia. There are lively Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan communities. Most of the European and North American nations are well represented as of course are the nations of East Asia.

The annual cricket 6s are an event where many of these nations come together for a celebration of fast food cricket. There is enough money and professional pride at stake to make it competitive. But for too many of the supporters it is a chance for flag waving and inane jingo-ism.

Last year the event was held less than two months after the 11 September attack. There were Pakistan supporters in the crowd calling for a holy war - a Jihad. It was not in fun. It was a hostile crowd. Now it may not have been no more than 50 people but it was enough to be intimidating. At that point I decided I would not attend this year.

The SCMP on its front page and on the letters page reports today that one idiot (and that is a polite term) wore an Osama bin Laden mask to the 6s on Sunday, and carried the Pakistan flag. He was allowed to walk to the west stand and to make obscene gestures in front of English and Australian supporters. Not surprisingly he was pelted with beer cans which then led to a group of Pakistanis charging the stand. Women and children were caught up in this. Officials and stewards stood and watched.

A number of Hong Kong residents lost family and friends in the recent Bali bombings. New York is still a painful memory for many. Stewards and security staff should have been sensitive to potential provocation and taken action. Bags were searched as people entered the ground. Food and drink were removed so that the in ground caterers could make their sales. By the time he was taunting the west stand it was too late to act.

What does it all mean?  Feelings run high. Osama bin Laden's supporters are spread globally. And it really is a simple question of what happens next and where. And it also means that the 6s will have even fewer westerners attending next year.

Asia's sleaze city

3 November 2002

Hong Kong has again revealed its astonishing insensitivity with the publication of a front page picture of a well known Hong Kong actress distraught and topless in Eastweek magazine last Wednesday.

The picture was apparently taken twelve years ago when the actress was allegedly kidnapped and assaulted. No charges were filed at the time. The magazine argued that the picture was published to show that the entertainment industry is not all glamour and the good life. It is a reasonable guess that the magazine consulted with its lawyers before publishing the picture. Which makes the lawyers and anyone else privy to the decision to publish, equally contemptible.

The magazine has been widely criticised for its outrageous invasion of the woman's privacy. The trouble is that the magazine without disclosing the actress' name made it all to clear who she was. The picture failed to protect her identity. The magazine described her and her friends and so we all were sure included a separate article on the actress and her boyfriend.

On Friday the magazine apologized for the story saying: "we did not mean to insult or hurt the victim". However, East Week defended its actions through the following statement: "When we received the photo, we engaged in vigorous debate about whether or not to cover up the truth. The decision to run the photo is based on the journalistic duties of revealing truth and observing society."

This is of course complete nonsense. The magazine used the photograph to boost circulation and create publicity. What they probably did not expect was the backlash they have received.

The magazine is owned by the Emperor group. Publication has been suspended by its owner, Emperor Group chairman, Albert Yeung Sau-shing.  The government is investigating whether there was any criminal act in publishing the picture.

You can write and protest to the Emperor Group at this email:

emperor@emperorgroup.com.hk

The immediate resignation of the magazine's editor would be a good start. But it really does not deal with the true cause; this city is a place that increasingly lacks a conscience

Inconsistency in Hong Kong

13 October 2002

Spot the differences in the following:

1. Ten workers use a two truck, three cars and road cones to stage an illegal and potentially dangerous blockade shutting the Cheung Tsing tunnel and closing the highway to the airport for 18 minutes.

Police take no action.

2.  Having been granted a permit for 500 demonstrators, 4,500 villagers from the new territories march to the Central Government Offices; traffic was blocked and additional police needed to manage the crowds.

No action is taken other than a letter asking the organisers in future to stick to the agreed conditions for the march.

3. A group of 30 pro-democracy demonstrators are refused a permit to march on the Central Government Office to protest.

4. 16 Falun Gong protestors are arrested and prosecuted after a demonstration outside the Beijing Liaison Office mainly for allegedly causing an obstruction.

Enforcement of Hong Kong's laws appears increasingly haphazard as authorities seek to avoid political demonstrations and scenes that might embarrass Beijing. While Hong Kong considers the additional powers the police will have when Article 23 legislation is enacted this would be a good time for wiser heads to ensure that existing rules are transparently applied.

Hong Kong launches anti-mosquito drive to halt dengue fever

(Headline from AFP/Yahoo news)

6 October 2002

Rumour has it that Tung Chee-Hwa has branded mosquitoes as an evil cult and a threat to national security ! They will be banned under Article 23 !

Yes, dengue fever is a serious problem. But this is not the time to panic. This is a major health threat in over 100 countries. There have been recent outbreaks in Macau and Taiwan and it is a major issue in SE Asia.

Fumigation will help. Greater public awareness will help. The end of the rainy season will help.

Fetish Fashion gives government another beating

5 October 2002

My dear reader will remember the outcome of the foolish Fetish Fashion prosecution. (See this link)

You will be delighted to know  that yesterday the court awarded HK$3.0 million in costs to the defendants.

All told the Hong Kong taxpayers have paid some US$500,000 for this time wasting titillation that served no purpose other than to temporarily boost the sales of some of the local newspapers and magazines.

Ministerial Accountability in Hong Kong

1 October 2002

Its National Day; the 53rd anniversary of the PRC.  In Hong Kong we will celebrate this auspicious day and the public holiday as we know best - eating and shopping. We are five years on from the handover; one country, two systems appears largely forgotten. China prospers; its capacity to spend on infrastructure and development appears undiminished. Hong Kong's well-being is increasingly tied by the government to the mainland not to its role as a regional base.

And under the government's new accountability doctrine senior Government officials are accountable to Tung Chee-Hwa,  who is accountable solely to Beijing. Just out of curiosity, who in the Hong Kong administration is accountable to the people?

We live in a great city and in changing times !

As the Salem Open leaves, Hong Kong looks even less like Asia's World City

1 October 2002 

The Salem Open was Hong Kong's only ATP supported tennis event. For one week each autumn for the last thirteen years many of the world's best male tennis players came to Hong Kong.

Next year the event will move to Beijing, with the promise of world class facilities being built for the 2008 Olympic Games and much greater sponsorship opportunities. The fact that the Hong Kong event continued to be sponsored by a tobacco company was itself worrying.

Hong Kong's Victoria Park facilities are old, cramped and open to the weather which at this time of year is not always kind.

But the real issue is economics. More and more sponsors will welcome the opportunity to use major sporting events to sell their name to huge mainland audiences.

This one move of a sports event is a portent of the role that Hong Kong will play in China and Asia. Rapidly Hong Kong is becoming of secondary importance to Beijing and Shanghai. We lack the local audience, the appeal to sponsors or the facilities. It is sad but irreversible.

Ouch

22 Sept 2002

Carl Tendler of New York visited our great city of Hong Kong and sure left his calling card. In the (infamous) Sunday letters page of the SCMP he writes:

"A someone who has visited Hong Kong several times, it is obvious to me and many others that Beijing wants you to vanish. Businesses are leaving because it is less expensive to operate on the mainland, intimidation is also a factor and Beijing has its future set for Shanghai. Hong Kong is doomed and if Beijing could move all of Hong Kong's architecture and creativity to Shanghai it would.

It is a sad thing to see. Hong Kong was a truly great city created by both Chinese and Britons. My condolences."

Carl Tendler.

I guess he wont be coming back in a hurry. I wonder if he has ever been to Shanghai. Still at least he is back in New York, which WAS also a truly great city created by Chinese, Britons and many many others.....

It really would be wonderful to see Hong Kong's doubters proved wrong!

Thumbs up for School Daze

22 Sept 2002

Last week  Mr. O'Riordan expressed in the SCMP his dismay at the school uniform party at a Central nightclub. I am pleased to report that Thomas and Mary Tadger have redressed the balance; they had "a great night" and they wrote that "we - and seemingly the majority of the attendees - didn't see or feel any dark forces at work, but perhaps we were busy having too much fun to notice."

Am I getting cynical or is this just two weeks of cheap publicity for their next party !

Vanessa Mae Unplugged

21 Sept 2002

In another fine example of Hong Kong's status as a world class city Vanessa Mae's concert on 19 September in the dreadful convention center was another aural nightmare.

The Pet Shop Boys were here the week of 29 July in a concert that was largely inaudible. Some 5,000 people paid between $295 and $1,080. I was not there. Those attending will not be given refunds. And a large part of Hong Kong's music audience will join me in boycotting this awful venue.

During the first half of her concert her electric violin failed - and she had to continue with an acoustic violin. Even after an unusually long 45 minute break sound problems continued in the second half of the show.

Its not just a case of why would anyone want to shell out good (and large sums of ) money for a concert in Hong Kong. Why would any performer want to play here.

The endlessly entertaining letters page in Sunday's SCMP

15 Sept 2002

It constantly amazes me what some people write to the SCMP about. And the newspaper seems to save all of their most bizarre or whining letters for their Sunday edition.

Their was a classic today from Julian O'Riordan in Mid-Levels.

For your entertainment here is the letter in full:

"SHOCKED BY CLUBBER'S SCHOOL UNIFORM NIGHT

Some friends and I recently attended an'80s night called "School Daze" at a nightclub in Central. Upon my arrival, I was shocked and horrified to find this was a party where adults were encouraged to dress in school uniform, and dress like young school children.

I find this concept wholly inappropriate and sickening. We already live in a society where child pornography is readily available on the internet, trade in underage prostitution is rife in Asia, and paedophiles lurk in online chat rooms waiting to prey on innocent minors.

Our children need to be protected from this sort of sordid practice. Do we need to further encourage this sick and perverse attitude in the nightlife of Hong Kong.

Julian O'Riordan"

Well:

What was Mr. O'Riordan expecting - a night out in a central club with his homework. And if he behaves he gets a gold sticker for his chart. Either he is sad and naive; or he is taking the mickey !

 I think it may be the latter !

I wish I could still get into my school uniform.

Yes he is right - all the things he mentions are real problems in Asia. But adults dressing up to have a fun night out in a Hong Kong nightclub does not contribute to any of those issues.

Sadly it simply looks as though Mary Whitehouse has re-appeared in Hong Kong and that this city becomes less fun by the day - or by the letter !

I guess Mr. O'Riordan wont be attending the wet "t" shirt contest at Skitz Bar. Or maybe he will - so he can tell us all how outraged he was (afterwards !!!!).

Hong Kong - where are we going now?

22 August 2002

Earlier this week we reached 7.8% official unemployment in Hong Kong. This is this official number. The real number is surely much higher. Home-makers, students, foreign workers, those who do not register. It would be hard to assess the official number.

For a city that has always so successfully re-invented itself there appears to be no agreement as to what need to be done, what adjustments should be made, what actions can be taken or what changes should be made.

In the 1960s Hong Kong was a manufacturing centre; in the 1980s as manufacturing moved to China, Hong Kong re-invented itself as a financial and services centre. It became the shipping and transportation link from the rest of the world into China.

But what now; the reaction to the current crisis is uncertain at best. There is a sense that we simply have to ride out the storm. Notwithstanding that this may be the perfect storm.

What was Hong Kong's first response. Walt Disney in 2005 or 2006. Let's have more Chinese tourists. Trouble is the negotiators forgot the China exclusivity clause.....and guess what Disney Shanghai is just around the corner !

The government says that Disney Hong Kong will create 34,000 jobs. Great. We all know that the management jobs will largely not go to Hong Kong's citizens. But we can all dress up as the seven dwarfs and be paid for it. I would dress up as Snow White but I am not qualified.

And there will be competition. Shenzen is negotiating with Universal studios. Steve Wynn will bring Las Vegas style living to Macau.

This is not what makes Hong Kong a first class and world class city.

What would work? Expanding the freedoms that make Hong Kong different from other Chinese cities. An elected and accountable government.  A sense that politics is important and a career choice of value and responsibility.  And then build on the commercial, trading, infrastructure, transport and cultural links to China.

Whipped into shape 

Fetish Fashion prosecutors handed a beating !

20 August 2002

Whipped into shape; that's a pretty good message for many people in Hong Kong who still do not appreciate what it takes to make Hong Kong a world class city and who fail to understand which issues are and are not worth fighting for.

The three defendants in the Fetish Fashion trial were found not guilty. And let us all hope that the prosecution is made to pay all costs, serving as a lesson to the police force and the Hong Kong government.

Though why we poor taxpayers should have to stump up for such an ill-considered prosecution is a mystery.

The SCMP in its leader today said,

"It is not clear what prompted the government to prosecute this case. The normal criterion is public interest, but the only public interest that appears to have been served in this case is that of newspaper readers in the lurid details of the daily trial reports.

Despite the heroic attempts by police investigators to gather evidence by submitting themselves to the discipline of bondage and sadomasochism, the prosecution case was poor...."

The three defendants were prosecuted under legislation based upon 18th century British public morality legislation. As Asia's world city it would be nice if we were a little more enlightened in our legislation, a little more tolerant in our attitudes, and a little wiser in our pursuit of justice.

This case has made people laugh at Hong Kong; it has titillated and amused. It has not served the public interest in any way. Sadly that's what our government and its representatives are expected to do. They should be spanked!

As for the investigating officers; maybe they will be given tickets for a future party. Perhaps it can be called the Secret Policeman's Ball !!

And here is a link to their business - because they deserve it !!

Leadership under pressure.

17 August 2002

Once again Hong Kong's leaders have let us down.

I have no objection to the police charging Falun Gong members for obstruction. There is little doubt that those arrested in March were trying to see just how much they could get away with; and then having got themselves arrested there is little doubt that they wanted political mileage from their trial.

For the record there were 16 accused, four Swiss, one New Zealander and 11 Hong Kong citizens.

And boy did they get their 15 minutes of fame - and a bit more besides. So determined were the Hong Kong authorities to be seen to have a watertight case that could be exempt form any suggestions of politics and interference from Beijing that the case lasted for 26 days. This was an obstruction charge. Not exactly a heinous crime. The government hired a top prosecutor, Kevin Zervos, and the court proceedings were translated into English, Chinese, German and two Chinese dialects.

Representatives of the Canadian, British and American governments were in court to hear the verdict.

The primary prosecution evidence was video tape; which is kind of hard to argue against.

Each of the 16 was fined HK$ 1,300. Other fines were given as follows:

9 fines of $500 for obstructing a police inspector in a police vehicle.

I fine of $2,000 for obstructing assaulting 2 police officers.

2 fines of $1,000 for assault on a police officer.

I make that a total of HKS 29,300, approx US$ 3,750. Maybe one day's fees for a senior counsel.

Of course the well funded Falun Gong have already appealed the verdict; and there is a real likelihood of this case getting to the Court of Final Appeal.

Hong Kong's residents have the right to assemble, to demonstrate and to express themselves freely. Where do those freedoms end and issues of public order take over. That is the issue being determined by this court. The trouble is the political issues dominate.

Who pays the government's costs. We do - our taxes. Do I feel any new sympathy to Falun Gong after these hearings. Absolutely not. They were spoiling for a fight.

What really gets me upset though is when Hong Kong's justice chief puts her foot in her mouth a day later and says all of this is OK because Falun Gong members have been similarly convicted in Singapore.

A good test of good and wise leadership is the ability to give well considered and thoughtful replies when under the pressure of media questioning. She failed miserably.

Singapore is not exactly the world centre of free expression and assembly.

What she should be saying is that the government is going beyond the call of duty to ensure that Falun Gong followers are not subject to any form of discrimination. That their members are treated in the same way as any other Hong Kong residents or visitors.

Singapore is irrelevant to this issue. It is a Hong Kong issue only. It is our laws being applied to our people. That is what matters and that is what she should be talking about.

It is probably true that the government is less tolerant of demonstrations and of criticism. Groups other than Falun Gong have seen their demonstrations disrupted by some heavy handed government supported police action; the most recent examples being the right of abode seekers.

The media has a major role in all of this. Although they are the last to admit it. Falun Gong had contacted all the local and international media organisations to advise them of their protest. There was a big media turn out. The media want action film and pictures. It is no surprise that the demonstrators were provocative. The right of abode seekers were similarly media savvy.

The biggest worry is that Hong Kong's government sees Singapore as their role model. That was implied by the the Justice Secretary's comments. It is a slippery and unwelcome path to tread.

August blues in Hong Kong

9 August 2002

There is no blue in the sky - and no blue in the forecast. This is the worst of times in Hong Kong. Gloomy weather to match the gloomy economy.

So gloomy that it is time to think about holidays: So lets start with Tibet !

Tibet features in Michelle Yeoh's new film "The Touch"; lovingly photographed, the film is best watched with the sound off! The script is dire and the plot contrived. But it does make me want to head for Tibet.

Tibet has of course occupied by China since 1949. The Tibet autonomous region continues to be governed from Beijing. There has also been a policy of moving Chinese migrants into Tibet. The leader of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama,  has lived in exile since 1959.

One from of protest would be to ignore this vast land. But that is unlikely to foster any understanding of the issues or the well being of the Tibetan people.

Based in Hong Kong, Forceten Ltd run some of the best tours to Tibet (www.forceten.com.hk) and have an informative web site,

Simply out of touch

8 August 2002

It is so scary that people entrusted to fly 400 passengers in a 747 can be so out of touch with reality. Now we all know that there is a history of bad feeling between Cathay Pacific and its pilots but for the pilots' union to be suggesting industrial action in the fall is just unreal.

Some basics. Hong Kong has no air force; there were no Hong Kong citizens growing up as aviators. When Cathay grew in the 1980s and 1990s it had to hire most of its pilots from oversees. Although Cathay has a worthy cadet recruitment programme the most senior graduate is still only a senior first officer. Cathay's expatriate pilots are among the best paid in the industry, flying well maintained and new planes to some of the world's most exotic locations. For a flyer Cathay is one of the plum jobs.

But Hong Kong is suffering like never before and its people are concerned for their job security, their families and for the economy. With unemployment at record levels and many who are employed accepting salary cuts or salary freezes, then the people of Hong Kong will have little sympathy for a group of foreign pilots with a grievance against their management.

Any industrial action by Cathay's pilots threatens the airline's fragile recovery, threatens Hong Kong's battling tourism sector, threatens all the ancillary and support services supporting the airline. And the pilots will find little if any sympathy from Hong Kong's embattled residents !

Holiday Hotspots from Hong Kong

6 August 2002

Priceline Hong Kong reported the top ten travel destinations from Hong Kong in June and July were as follows:

Bangkok, Tokyo, Taipei, Singapore, London, Seoul, Phuket, San Francisco, Paris, Toronto.

I am surprised that Bali, Beijing and Shanghai fail to make the top 10. Manila (Philipinnes) suffers form continuing concerns for personal safety. It is also surprising to see Toronto on the list and not Vancouver.

Bangkok and Phuket continue to thrive with the large number of flights and hotels to match every budget together with an attractive rate of exchange.

Pet Shop Pensioners

2 August 2002

Hong Kong so badly needs a world class concert venue. Asia's world class city indeed. You squeeze up four flights of escalators to the rooftop of the new convention centre. Navigating your way past grumpy security staff. Getting out is a crush.

You pay HK$680 for a seat 20 rows from the front. All the seats at the front of the hall are at the same level - the seats are temporary - they are not comfortable. The sound system is horrifyingly bad. Bass the rumbles from the floor.

The Pet Shop Boys came on 55 minutes late and played including an encore for 70 minutes. It's a Sin was their final song. It sure was.

They used to be a show band - endless costume changes; they were entertainers. And they had to be because their music and Neil Tennant's voice are simply not strong enough to carry a show based upon music alone.

When they did get the crowd up on their feet - and it was a crowd that desperately wanted to have fun !! - they immediately played an unknown and inaudible ballad.

For that price - you can buy al their CDs and still have change ! Do it!

I will not be returning for a concert at the convention centre. Not in a hurry.

A mainland view of Hong Kong

30 July 2002

The SCMP sent a Guangzhou based news assistant to Hong Kong to look at the city's attractions and shops. His report was in the SCMP dated 29 July 2002. He concluded as follows:

"I have been to Hong Kong several times and I think it is losing its appeal. The Peak, Ocean Park, the convention centre and the shopping malls - that's all it has to offer. Hong Kong has become a cliche. There's nothing new and nothing really surprising for anyone who has been here before. My friend used to joke that Hong Kong is a great place if you only go there once. Small wonder that more and more people I know choose it just as the last stop of their tour to Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand. I think the city needs new attractions. It is too commercial for a relaxing holiday".

The Hong Kong Tourism Authority (responsible for the Mega Sale which no one knows is happening !!) ignores warnings like this at its peril. Hong Kong is ceasing to be the destination of choice for increasingly sophisticated and demanding visitors from mainland China. Travellers from Chin represent the next boom in global tourism. Look at the Japanese tourism industry which is catered for globally. Now multiply that by hundreds to get the scale that might be represented by Chinese tourists. Hong Kong is not a cheap option and increasingly an unattractive option. Hong Kong needs some forward thinking and some wise planning and investment. And that does not mean simply Disney; that may help but is not the sole solution !