Li Ka-shing says HK needs to overcome democracy divide

Vinicy Chan and Dominic Lau

Li Ka-shing, Asia’s richest man, said Hong Kong needs to overcome a divide over the election of its leader in 2017, as activist groups took to the streets and threaten to paralyze the city’s financial district.
The city should “move forward” on the reforms, Li told reporters in Cantonese yesterday on the sideline of an event. In an English statement later, Li said efforts toward democracy will lead toward widening participation and will not be in vain.
Li is weighing on a debate that has deeply divided Hong Kong, led to the biggest rally in a decade and is jeopardizing the city’s status as a global financial center. The city is set to allow citizens to pick its leader in 2017, though the Chinese government has insisted on having candidates vetted against the wishes of some lawmakers, students and activist groups.
“On the political front, there are many different opinions, requests and arguments,” Li said in Cantonese. “Despite the differences, we should be determined to move forward.”
“The progress towards democracy is the foundation to fortify the rule of law in Hong Kong,” Li said in the English statement. “Every effort for democracy will not be a vain struggle as progress will arc towards broadening participation.” Bloomberg