Lost Youth

"The Pan Dems, and others, need to reflect on their role in drawing these gullible kids to the streets." 

Having so far contained the Covid-19 virus outbreak, Hong Kong is not out of the woods. Covid-19 may come back, plus our economy is ailing, and further violent social unrest is possible.

As the sudden surge of Covid-19 cases in Singapore demonstrated, we need constant vigilance, and we can't allow any chance for a spread. In Singapore, they had a migrant worker blind-spot that the virus exported ruthlessly; Hong Kong should learn from that lesson.

But, when the virus precautions ease here, the question everyone is asking "Will the violent protests be back?" Tempered by a weak economy and ongoing court cases, the protest movement's future is debatable.

Moreover, with supporters in the West distracted, Hong Kong could fade from their agenda. Or, more likely, we’ll become a pawn in the broader game between China and the USA. 

Indeed, Trump is looking at all means to distract attention from his shambolic Covid-19 response. Initially, he pronounced Covid-19 was “fake-news … another attempt to discredit me.”

​Then as the death's mounted, he switched tack although he's never demonstrated genuine leadership with a comprehensive strategy.

He now plays a relentless blame-game; first China, then WHO, then state governors, all along with the media. Meanwhile, he accepts no responsibility.  

In his attempts to distract, he could see the protests in Hong Kong as a useful tool with which to blacken Beijing further. Until now he's  avoided that, although he's so erratic anything is possible.

Plus, with China emerging from Covid-19 quicker than others, firing up its economy, it’s certain to rile Trump. If he can't get Covid-19 under control, and with increasing unemployment, based on his past performance, he will lash out more. 

I have no doubt the protesters will return, with or without overseas support. Although, it's uncertain what scale and character the demonstrations will take.

​With job losses mounting across many sectors, is it right to assume people  focus on economic issues? I'm not sure. With elections for LegCo in September, the omens are not favourable.

Last week, during my wandering through the hills, I found a group of six college students heading up the mountain towards Windy Gap in search of Repulse Bay.

​I pointed out there were heading in the wrong direction, then led them back down to the Tai Tam Dam to connect with the correct path. Our encounter had all the hallmarks of an allegory.

We struck up a conversation heading downhill. To cut a long story short, I revealed my past, which caused some unease, as they candidly admitted an active part in the 2019 protests. A discussion followed.

One student described the experience of the protests as 'unsettling' because those around him escalated to violence without delay. He's now withdrawn from on-street activities because he feels it's too risky. Fearing arrest, he had sleepless nights.  

This group have a melancholy air. One girl remained surly throughout, making it clear she's not going to talk to me. 

The others offered criticism of many parties and players.

Of course, the government and Police took a fair share of bile. To my surprise, the Pan Dem politicians drew contempt for providing no leadership. "Why didn't Anson Chan intervene?" Great question.

The students didn't realise that Martyr Lee sat in Beijing, negotiating the Basic Law, a fact that caused some reflection. I had to laugh when they dismissed Joshua Wong, the darling of the US politicians, as self-serving. Thus, we agreed on something. 

I raised the issue of petrol bombing police quarters and attempts to target the children of police officers. That drew a silence. One ventured "We weren't there, did it happen? Much false news?” Who does that sound like?

I mentioned the 2014 democracy proposals, rejected by the Pan Dems; this pivotal moment is often forgotten. It signaled a change, that has led us all on the wrong path seeking a destination that cannot be reached from here.

While far from perfect, the proposals moved in the right direction. Again, this drew blank faces from the students. Clearly, the context and meaning is lost in the whirl of social media hubris. 

One lad asserted he'd go back to the streets. Although, if the protests become violent, he'll seek to leave. That's wise.

​After all, the Police are looking increasingly proficient in containing the extreme elements under the robust leadership of Commissioner Chris Tang. He displays none of the hesitance of his supine predecessor. 

Rapid interventions, flexible tactics and new 'less-than-lethal' weapons give commanders options that keep violent protesters at bay. In addition, having gone through several riots, officers are well-schooled and confident in their skills. 

Moreover, opposition attempts to demonise officers with allegations of 'brutality' and attacks of police homes are proving counter-productive. By all accounts, morale is high. 

Media reports of a surge in police resignations are over-blown. Likewise, those that left are welcome departures. I'm told most lacked the physical stamina for the job or proved 'wobbly' when confronted by the mob. Their resignations removes a burden. 

With hundreds of hard-core protesters fled to Taiwan, the evidence suggests they are struggling with the decisions they made. The Pan Dems, and others need to reflect on their role in drawing these gullible kids to the streets. 

My encounter with these young people, all born after 1997, reminded me we live in an age of amnesia. People forget that Anson Chan, Martyr Lee and many Pan Dems sat at the table in Beijing to parlay Hong Kong's future.

Then the 1989 Tiananmen killings and the misguided efforts of Chris Patten derailed progress towards more democracy. 

Even after that, Anson Chan worked with tireless fervor to sell the Joint Declaration to the people of Hong Kong, standing centre stage at the handover. 

For me, when a full accounting is made, all sides have debits — especially the Pan Dems for rejecting democracy proposals in 2014.

At least I left the students on the right track to Repulse Bay. I hope they made it.