The Brechtian Election

"We've experienced a Brechtian moment ... we are spectators of an event and can follow the narrative without full access."

The fortune dice have fallen to favour John Lee, our new Chief Executive. Had the pan-democratic politicians not blundered in 2014 to reject a move towards direct elections, would Lee be heading to Government House? Likewise, if the opposition had not chosen to take on Beijing with riots in 2019/20?

Who knows? But then again, fortune favours the bold. 

Lee has played the long game well. He exited the Police Force as a deputy commissioner some ten years ago to join the Security Bureau. By 2017, Lee was Secretary for Security and then became Chief Secretary, taking on Hong Kong's number two job in 2021. Notably, he proved a steady hand during the civil unrest of 2019/20 when other officials wobbled. 

His path to the top job was, in part, helped by Carrie Lam's substandard performance during the Covid crisis. That and the general malaise that settled on the stagnant Administrative Officer cadre. These high priests of the bureaucracy, who claim to run Hong Kong, engaged in silo defending games that hampered coordination in fighting Covid. 

Just this week, we saw another small example of the woeful level of cooperation and coordination. Carrie Lam, with great fanfare, announced a relaxation of Covid restrictions, including the opening of public swimming pools on May 5th. Except she got that wrong. The pools couldn't open because the operators didn't get forewarning to deploy lifeguards and clean the water. They'd had months to get ready — failing to plan is planning to fail.

As the only candidate for the CE post, Lee won 99% of the votes cast by the election committee. These past weeks he made a gameful effort to canvass public support by the usual district visit and the compulsory viewing of a cage home. Right on cue came statements about addressing the housing crisis; then again, each incoming CE has said the same thing since 1997. Yet, the issue remains unresolved, with various intractable factors holding back tangible progress. So, good luck with that one.

Although these public outings helped showcase Lee, in truth, as Beijing's anointed man, the result was never in doubt. In consequence, we've experienced a Brechtian moment — pure theatre. We are spectators of an event and can follow the narrative without full access. Yet, as conscious critical observers we understand these performative aspects in context. Hence, we are not unseen. But, of course, the downside is feelings of disengagement from this 'election'. 

And therein lies the rub. Any CE needs to garner and sustain public support even if not elected by universal suffrage. After all, a feedback loop does operate to take account of public sentiment; former CEs can attest to the consequences.

Thus, Lee now has his work cut out; the issues to address are endless, and he must set some priorities. Topping any list will be the reopening of Hong Kong to the world, including the links to the Mainland. Once that happens, other issues should resolve themselves, including our lifeless airport, tourism and unemployment. Confidence will then return.

Whether the rift in society that lingers from the 'troubles' can heal is a moot point. Lee has made it clear that those youngsters found guilty of rioting and other crimes must be encouraged to reintegrate back into society. That's a start, although much more is needed.

But a word of caution, as I've before commented elsewhere, power has its limits. Yet, while Lee will now enjoy a honeymoon period and some bounce as Covid eases, hazards lay on the near horizon. He will need sober steadfastness in all things to avoid the obsequious courting of the usual vested interests to steer a steady course. Let's hope fortune continues to favour him and Hong Kong. 

I leave you with Marcus Aurelius, "If you have sharp sight, use it: but as the poet says, add wise judgement."