The suppressed soul finally finds utterance

Why everyone everywhere should be concerned with the Hong Kong's people fight for freedom.

by Callistus Antony D’Angelus

India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in his Independence Day address, stated that “a moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation long suppressed finds utterance.”

Hong Kong finds itself in that position at present. Its people have found utterance, demanding the universal suffrage that has been promised to them in the “mini-constitution”, the Basic Law.

Whatever the short-term outcome of the current demonstrations, which are unprecedented by anything we’ve seen in recent times, the political climate and culture of Hong Kong has turned on its head. The many brave people coming out to demand their unalienable right to elect a head of government of their choice will have their reward, though it will likely be a long drawn-out struggle.

The disenfranchisement felt by the demonstrators cannot be attributed to just one issue, and therein lies the challenge for the governments of Hong Kong and China. It has given rise to a more potent social force, as people are banding together to voice their dissatisfaction on a multiplicity of issues.

The worth of a promise

The demonstrators, as well as the many that are silent, are undeniably unhappy that the commitment to have the Hong Kong people elect their leader by way of universal suffrage has been reneged upon. The alternative suggested by the Chinese government is not an alternative of any sort. It is a case of replacing the commitment which the Hong Kong people had rightly relied upon with something totally different. In the real sense, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive would be just another appointment by the Communist Party if the Chinese government sticks by its current position.

There have been some strong statements made by those who negotiated the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984, most notably Hong Kong’s last British governor, Chris Patten, in denouncing the position taken by the Chinese government. The problem with relying on any such chastisement would be that things, in the political sense, were no different under British rule. Political repression was the order of the day, as it was in other British colonies. Having said that, it does not negate the claim for adherence to Hong Kong’s “mini-constitution”.

There is an obligation on the part of the Chinese government to enter into discussions with the demonstrators with a view to arriving at a position which will be acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.

The Chinese government’s worry is obvious. It fears that any concession it makes will have a ripple effect on the mainland. This is something the Communist Party will need to come to terms with and handle at some point. It will need to figure that part out without denying the people of Hong Kong what is rightfully theirs.

International intervention

It is regrettable that the international community cannot be counted on in resolving crises of this nature. China has warned other countries against interfering in what is positioned as a domestic issue of China. While the freedom of anyone anywhere is the problem of everyone everywhere, the people of Hong Kong cannot rely on the international community, in particular the Western powers. The reason for this is that the Western powers would do what is in their best strategic self-interest, despite their proclamations for democracy and universal rights. Given the present-day economic considerations, they will likely play ball with the Chinese government, but without making it obvious. The sufferings of the people of Burma are a case in point.

Though governments will make their selfish political calculations in the name of strategic advantage, it should not stop individuals and civil society groups all over the world from lending a hand to the people of Hong Kong. Every small initiative by anyone will help in the final analysis. As much as a solution seems far away at present, it will finally bend towards the will of the Hong Kong people. We would do well to remember that the apartheid regime in South Africa was supported by many governments of the developed world before things turned around.

Oppressors’ argument

There is the argument that democracy is not meant for everyone and that different cultures have different appreciations of it. This is a convenient argument of dictators and oppressors determined to keep themselves in power. But this too will play itself out, as the majority cannot be shackled for too long. In such times we would do well to heed these words of Nelson Mandela: “It is not the kings and generals that make history, but the masses of the people, the workers, the peasants, the doctors, the clergy.”

Some commentators, politicians, business leaders and analysts have argued that the people of Hong Kong are peace-loving and as such would not pursue their claims for too long. The people of Hong Kong are undeniably peace-loving, but this expression has been misused to imply that they do not have political will. This is a miscalculation of cataclysmic proportions.

A recent article in the Financial Times argued that the disenchantment which is being reflected through the demonstrations is also caused by the income and wealth divide. While this is not a problem confined to one country alone and is part of a growing global issue, it is very pronounced and evident in Hong Kong. The economic, political and social systems favour businesses and the rich disproportionately. The economic injustice and lack of opportunities are being felt by the younger generation, and this is also reflected in the protests.

The argument against the demonstrations is mainly that they cause businesses to suffer. Unfortunately, or perhaps even fortunately, there is always a price to pay for change. Businesses are there to serve the interest of the larger society and not the other way around. The status quo of today would be condemned as a useless relic of the past in many instances, just as today’s revolution would be the status quo of tomorrow.

The fight for the future of Hong Kong and its people will continue, and every one of us has a part to play in ensuring that the people of Hong Kong partake in determining their own political and economic destiny.