Li alarmed by `surging populism spoiling HK'

 

(The Standard  7 Mar 2014) Hong Kong is like a spoiled child, Li Ka- shing says, as he warns of a surging populism that could change the city "beyond recognition."

 

While it is understandable that a widening wealth gap could worry any government, policies should not be driven by emotions or these will become a vicious circle, the tycoon told chief editor Hu Shuli of Caixin Media, which provides financial and business news.

 

The chairman of Cheung Kong Holdings and Hutchison Whampoa said he had been poor once and knew how it felt to worry about living.

 

"But what is most important is how to solve the problems, instead of remaining in the stage of anger." He said while Singapore was "deficient by birth," Hong Kong is a "spoiled child."

 

Li added: "If Hong Kong steps onto the path to populism, it would be like a wild horse which can't be stopped.

 

"If populism continues to heat up, Hong Kong will change beyond recognition in five to six years."

On the friction between Hongkongers and mainlanders, Li said Hongkongers have a genuine heart and he hopes they will not allow some social phenomenon to distort their sense of belonging.

 

 

"I believe communication and acceptance could resolve conflicts," he said, adding that it is understandable that Hongkongers have "certain feelings" due to resources allocation.

 

"But we should welcome all the visitors genuinely, just like how we want to be welcomed when we travel," he said. "It is inappropriate to say something obnoxious to visitors."

 

On democracy, he said a healthy democratic society includes the rule of law, acceptance and diversity.

 

"We need to strike a balance between social responsibility and government power," he said.

Asked what universal suffrage in the 2017 election would mean, Li said: "I am 85-years-old. I do not view society the same as a 17-year-old. It's dangerous for an 85-year-old to make definitions for a 17-year-old when discussing the electoral system. I can't even say what my grandchildren will do in future."

 

He added that Hongkongers are wise enough to make the right decisions and quoted former British prime minister Winston Churchill by saying: "Politics is not a game. It is an earnest business."

 

  Kelly Ip