Letters | 3 bold ways within our reach to lift Hong Kong

Readers discuss the benefits of a push for universal suffrage while shoring up the economy, why we should bring our own cutlery when dining out, and the ills of high property prices and unbridled capitalism

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Tourists gather at Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront area on a rainy day on May 2. With the Hong Kong economy facing headwinds, much of which are outside its control, Hongkongers need to brace themselves for a few years of hardship. Photo: Jelly Tse

Published: 2:30pm, 8 May 2024

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Passing Article 23 legislation earlier this year was no small feat for Hong Kong. The Hong Kong government and the Legislative Council deserve credit for acting decisively and diligently. There can be more victories for the Hong Kong government.

I respectfully offer three suggestions government officials can consider.

First, the effort to push the economy forward is critical. The economy, however, depends on many factors. US-China geopolitics, the economy of China and the inflow of foreign investment, for example, are not within the control of the government.

Amid the broader tussle between the US and China, between China and the world, the Hong Kong government should consider adjusting the narrative to both fight for the economy and be transparent about the headwinds. There is no shame in how, after decades of prosperity and real estate booms, Hongkongers need to brace themselves for a few years of hardship.

Second, if the economy is not totally within its control, the Hong Kong government can have more influence on political reform. The term “universal suffrage” is mentioned 111 times in the Basic Law and its annexes. With the legislation of Article 23, the risk of unpatriotic acts has been minimised. This is an opportunity to revisit the idea of “universal suffrage”.