HK Observer: Moving on

Robert Carroll

Occupy Central may not have fulfilled its intended goals but it has occupied the minds and hearts of Hong Kong’s youth.  It has also created a new driving force in policymaking; politically-engaged youth. The government has proven slow to react and irresolute under the pressures that this movement has generated. However, as clashes become more violent and public support has waned considerably – if we are to accept the polls – it’s now time for protestors to pack up and find new ways to realize their objectives.
The young here have demonstrated their ability in three key areas: organization; mobilization and communication. Most notably, however, they have kept the reins on the use of violence. They can channel these abilities repeatedly by working with politicians, lobbying the business sector, and, of course at the ballot box in the upcoming district council elections.
They have also displayed a remarkable degree of unity. All these strengths can be implemented positively by engaging society on as many fronts as possible. The biggest challenge will be to persuade Beijing that their concerns should be considered and acted upon as part of future political reform.
In adhering to plans to try to meet Chinese leaders in the capital, the students made several mistakes. Firstly, they sidelined the Hong Kong government as the channel to Beijing, when the central authorities were adamant in their support for the Chief Executive and his team. They were clearly asking for too much. It’s understandable and consistent with their views that CY Leung could not be trusted and could not be relied upon to genuinely transmit their message. However, it ignores the way things are done in the mainland where respect for hierarchy is entrenched in both attitudes and practice, as far as dealing with officialdom is concerned.
Secondly giving the appearance of ignoring the concerns of one of society’s major demographics does not give enough face to Chinese leadership. Thirdly, insisting on the issue when there were no positive signals provoked a backlash, as the student leaders were barred entry to China. This has set a precedent, meaning that they will have to ask for their home return permits back. All of that does not bode well for future attempts to fulfil the aspirations of these youths. Let’s hope that they will able to backtrack on some demands to set realistic goals while maintaining support before more radicalization sets in.
Civic Party’s Ronny Tong (MDT Interview November 13) made a lot of sense when he suggested going for deal to allow the chief executive election framework to go through LegCo conditionally. The moderate pan-democrat wants politicians to push for an agreement on universal suffrage for LegCo as well as a promise of a genuine reconsideration of  the chief executive selection process following the next C.E. election in 2017. Students should focus on these goals if they want to participate in more achievable aims when choosing the next C.E.
There are also district council elections looming in 2015 in which student leaders can contest or at least engage in given the large youth vote they can accumulate. Taking part in a genuine election in which local livelihood issues as well as political reform are central would allow the next generation of politicians to become acquainted with people’s every day concerns and cut their teeth in a real campaign.
Whether the establishment likes it or not, some of these young idealists, having had a taste of politics with generally positive outcomes, will most likely be part of the scene for some time to come.