By Emily Lau

One of Hong Kong’s most outspoken and popular politicians, Emily Lau represents the Democratic Party.

HONG KONG -- As a hectic legislative session closes, some government officials and legislators anticipate a break before starting again in October. That may not be the case for Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang who must deliver a policy address to the Legislative Council on October 14.

No issue looms larger than constitutional development. Originally, Tsang planned to unveil his proposals early this year, but delayed supposedly to concentrate on problems caused by the global financial meltdown. It’s unsure if Tsang will include the proposals in his policy address, but he should know that many people are losing patience.

Tsang’s decision to stall discussions on political reform attracted wide criticism. Some commentators said he did it for fear his proposals would lure large crowds to the annual march for democracy on July 1. Many Hong Kong people want direct elections in 2012, but Tsang can’t deliver because Beijing rules it out. People are upset that the chief executive lacked the courage even to tell Beijing that’s what Hong Kong people want.

The Hong Kong and central governments dislike seeing big turnouts for the annual protest march. So the administration tried to boost the feel-good factor and downplay unpopular news. Despite such tactics, tens of thousands of people marched to denounce poor governance and demand democratic elections.

After years of misrule, people realize the need for democratic, transparent and accountable government. They know Beijing opposes democracy in Hong Kong, but so what? Hong Kong people don’t want to confront Beijing, but they’re ready to stand up on important issues.

On June 4, about 150,000 people attended a Hong Kong candlelight vigil to remember victims of the 1989 Beijing Massacre. So the people neither forgive, nor forget. Many are equally tenacious in supporting freedom, democracy and the rule of law in Hong Kong. When Tsang finally unveils his blueprint, the public expects pro-democracy politicians to fight hard for a good package.

On July 12, George Cautherley of the Hong Kong Democratic Foundation and former Hong Kong chief secretary Anson Chan organized a meeting to discuss constitutional reform. All the participants expressed a clear desire for direct elections in 2012. For the Democratic Party, I said that our goal is to seek direct elections then. Failing that, we’re prepared to consider only alternatives with the details about the direct election of a chief executive in 2017 and all Legco members in 2020.

The years 2017 and 2020 were given by the central government in December 2007 when ruling out direct elections in 2012. But many people doubt that direct elections by universal and equal suffrage will take place even then.

Tsang says his reform package will focus only on 2012. But that’s not good enough. To anyone saying it’s impossible to change Beijing’s mind, I beg to differ.

We know the struggle for democracy is long and difficult. For two decades, some leading democrats have been banned from traveling to the mainland. The depth of such hostility toward us is shocking and unacceptable. Yet we will remain steadfast in our quest for democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Despite being marginalized by the rich and powerful, we aren’t afraid and don’t regret choosing this rocky road. In the tumultuous years since Hong Kong’s 1997 handover, its people have proven politically mature and responsible. They’re more than ready for democratic government, and Beijing should know it. Tsang must find the courage to say so to his masters in Beijing.


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