Hong Kong fares “slightly better” in coronavirus battle due to pro-democracy protests
BeWaterWhile Japan and South Korea are stricken by the epidemic, Hong Kong's situation is, touch wood, not as bad. Surprisingly, we are doing better than Singapore, especially in light of the gross incompetence and deliberate acts of bad faith by Carrie Lam's administration. This is not due to "good luck", but cause and effect.
1. As mentioned many times, the Anti-ELAB movement has greatly reduced the influx of mainland Chinese touristsin the past six months. Despite Lam's refusal to close the border completely, the number of mainland Chinese tourists has dropped drastically towards the end of last year. We no longer saw frenzied shopping in preparation for the Lunar New Year. Even Sheung Shui, a district best known for its parallel traders*, was "liberated". One can imagine, if this year is like last year, Hong Kong's affliction was inevitable. (Some speculated that because Chinese tourists were turned away from Hong Kong to other places, the virus was spread to other countries instead.)
2. Because of Anti-ELAB, the government was completely bankrupt. Before the outbreak, Lam’s popularity rating was already below 20%. Hongkongers are fully aware of the government's incompetence; there is no trust. On top of this, Lam's self-destructive speech and response have made even the Blue Ribbons switch sides. Basically people have no expectations towards any measures she proposes, choosing instead to think hard on self-help. If the majority had been naive enough to trust the government, it would have been catastrophic. Just as a Diamond Princess passenger said, "I boarded the ship because the government said the epidemic was not serious...." Truly, the believers are to blame.
3. Because of Anti-ELAB, the Hongkongers' DNA has changed dramatically, doing away with selfishness and the philosophy of minding one's own business. Whether driving young protesters home, buying food coupons, supporting Yellow shops, expressing solidarity to one another or organising Hong Kong’s version of the Dunkirk evacuation+, a solid culture and network of mutual self-help have already formed. We created an alternative sharing economy, "sharing self-help". Everyone has something to offer. The consciousness is there, the culture formed and the network strengthened. Everything is in place. Without Anti-ELAB nourishing the mutual self-help culture, how could we have reacted to the epidemic so quickly?
4. Again because of Anti-ELAB, Hongkongers from all walks of life are connected (except for the Blue Ribbons, whose ignorance or shamelessness inevitably opposes connectedness). Regardless of social class, age or ethnicity, we are all connected. Upon learning that disadvantaged groups lacked masks, because of point number 3 mentioned above, we immediately started distributing supplies to them - even though they may used to be Blue Ribbons.Their lack of masks would be a hole in society for the virus to enter, just like the two holes Lam left in the border.
5. Still because of Anti-ELAB, the anti-democracy camp lost last year's District Council Election by a landslide. The epidemic has revealed the pro-establishment's total incompetence. They were born with a silver spoon in their mouths politically, and relied on a wealthy grandpa** behind to make decisions for them. They only need to put on a show of distributing gifts. Therefore, they are incapable of tackling real problems and only talented at fooling the public with nonsense. If the District Council were still controlled by these self-interested politicians, it would have been impossible for Hong Kong to save itself. Even when they distribute protective supplies, their aim is to collect personal information to buy vote***. Now that 17 of the 18 districts are “liberated”, taking real action and self-help is easier.Like the masks obtained by Project R earlier were all distributed with the help of district councillors.I have also benefited from ”yellow” councillors to buy masks for the elderly.
6. Yes, still because of Anti-ELAB, Hong Kong’s fight for freedom became internationally recognised. Previously, people may not differentiate between Hong Kong and China. Now the magnificent pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong is publicised worldwide with reports and exclusive document, causing Hong Kong’s status and reputation on the world stage to rise to new heights. This is especially important for Hongkongers seeking protective equipment like masks overseas. At least when you say you are a Hong Kong company or Hong Kong district councillor,people would not treat you like Wuhan’s friend.
7. Finally, a point unrelated to Anti-ELAB. Having experienced the horror of SARS, Hong Kong's wounds may have healed but the scars remain. Thus, Hongkongers were quick to respond and knew what supplies were essential, what precautions to take and what U-traps were. Experience in using the well-developed social media enabled the swift circulation of information. (On this particular point, Anti-ELAB popularised the use of Telegram) So have we done our best? Not quite, but at least you see 99% of the population wearing masks in the streets, which is incomparable to that of the SARS outbreak in 2003. In contrast to other places, we, Hongkongers have undoubtedly learnt our lesson. The government and the Hospital Authority are the only ones who learned nothing.
In closing, I believe that our destiny is governed by a greater force. Although our Five Demands have yet to be fulfilled, our six months of persistence and intense resistance - the sacrifice of Hongkongers - are worthwhile.
Once again, thank you all Sau Zuk (fellow protestors). Regardless of the role you play in guarding Hong Kong, thank you.
Notes:
* Parallel trading is taking advantage of the multiple entry visa policy to import goods from Hong Kong to Mainland China, causing shortages of household goods.
Hong Kong's version of the Dunkirk evacuation refers to Hongkongers offering rides to stranded protesters from the airport when authorities cut off public transportation on Sept 1, 2019.
** The word “Grandpa” is often referring to CCP, as “Grandpa” is the one who has the say in traditional Chinese family
*** Some citizens’s address were used by anonymous voters previously. It is believed that the pro-establishment camp use this to “distribute” their votes among different districts effectively during election.
Source: Facebook