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If the goal is achieved by
should in the first place be voluntary. applying mass pressure, it will undermine the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. If there is to be incessant visits for donations, the capitalists in Hong Kong will be alarmed and they may think emigration is the best way out. Zealous young people, emboldened by their
indomitable spirit, seldom think of the consequences and negative impact
their over-reaction has on stability and prosperity.
It is hoped that those who are influential to the students will do Hong Kong a favour by giving proper guidance to the students rather than adding fuel to the blaze.
Through the extensive coverage by the mass media (especially the electronic media), the Beijing student movement has been imprinted
on the heart of each and every one in Hong Kong. The million-strong
turnout in the demonstration were mainly the credit of the mass media
which have done much in promoting democracy indrectly.
The coverage
of the Beijing student movement for as short as two weeks is a hundred
times more successful than the efforts of more than a hundred years in
civic education in bringing about the political awareness of the Hong Kong people. Active participation and initiatives of leftist trade
unions and bodies, which have always been more politically-minded, are
a boost to the mass parades. Churches too are the mainstay of the parades,
considering the large number of Christians who have turned up.
Besides,
various political bodies are all too eager to join in. These have brought
about a scene of solidarity that has rarely been seen in Hong Kong.
Process towards Democracy Tends to Accelerate
The process towards democracy seems to have been stimulated
by these new political conditions and an inevitable trend of acceleration has emerged. This is a good sign. The Legislative Council under the
Hong Kong Government has raised new proposal regarding the political structure: The legislature should have 50% of its members produced by direct election in 1997. The percentage would be increased to 67% in 1999. By the year 2003, the entire legislature will be directly elected.
This is in fact the proposal of the Group of 190.
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