Silent majority taking back Hong Kong’s politics

Source:Global Times Published: 2014-7-21 22:33:01

Hong Kong's "silent majority" has finally decided to speak out as the opposition's Occupy Central campaign gains momentum. On Saturday, over 1,100 organizations in Hong Kong launched a month-long signature drive to oppose Occupy Central. In the first two days, over 380,000 people have signed up at more than 400 street-side booths. The goal is 800,000 signatures.

The so-called online referendum organized by the Hong Kong opposition claimed to have seen about 800,000 votes cast, a number which the public called into serious doubt. Some analysts believe that the anti-Occupy Central signature campaign will be more convincing, because asking signatories to show their identification before signing will make the result more credible.

For a long time, the Hong Kong opposition has played a predominant role in setting the agenda for the city's public opinion and determining the direction of Hong Kong street politics. As a result, they have been able to create the false impression that all of Hong Kong stands behind their efforts.

Occupy Central will wreak havoc on Hong Kong's order and stability. As one of Asia's leading financial centers, this outcome will no doubt come at the cost of ordinary Hongkongers.

In most civil societies, mainstream voices are usually expressed through normal, institutional outlets, leaving the streets to radical groups.

As long as they are backed by Western public opinion, Hong Kong's opposition will continue to hold to the illusion that their clamor is truly representative of the broader public.

Hong Kong's mainstream forces need to take the initiative and show their strength on the streets. It is their responsibility to present an accurate portrayal of Hong Kong public opinion.

There are those who worry that a decision by the pro-establishment camp to take a tit-for-tat approach toward the oppositions will push Hong Kong society nearer to the brink of serious division.

However, Hong Kong has a long tradition of separating fact from fiction through constructive confrontations. Only by directly confronting the opposition can Hong Kong's stability be guaranteed.

Now that the signature campaign is underway, Hong Kong's opposition has started to feel the heat, and have taken steps to downplay its significance.

This is proof that the campaign is having its desired effect, serving as a turning point for Hong Kong's silent majority to begin speaking out.

We hope that the signature drive will serve as a catalyst for a more truthful, more balanced, more beneficial public discourse in the territory.

Posted in: Observer

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