The animals were having a contest to see who could get to the opposite side of the river first. A powerful but dimwitted ox swam fastest but failed to notice the rat on his back, which jumped off at the last minute to win.
This explanation of the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac is a familiar fairy tale, with each year represented by animals, beginning with the rat. It also makes an apt metaphor for the Tung administration which began in an ox year, 1997, and has displayed most of the failings associated with its sign, especially stubbornness. It also speaks to the mendacity of many of Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa's critics, who have turned every major public policy issue into a debate over his personality. But does it also predict the future?
As we look ahead to the beginning of the Lunar New Year next month, and its emblematic rooster, the question is not entirely whimsical. Rats, according to the fable, may be opportunistic but are also clever, likeable and good at making money - characteristics that are highly valued in this city. By now, they include even Mr Tung's supposed allies, like the shameless demonstrators last weekend ostensibly protesting at the destruction of the government's Link listing proposal by pro-democracy legislators. Like many others in this city, a not-so-hidden motive of the 'anti-politician' marchers was to distance themselves from the administration while gaining points with Beijing. For each principled critic of the government, there are many others who see Mr Tung as the odd man out in an ongoing power shift. The irony is that the critics and opportunists may succeed in setting Hong Kong's agenda, but it will not be one anybody wants to live with.
When President Hu Jintao publicly chided the Tung administration last month, Hong Kong's tabloid press breathlessly totted up the number of seconds Mr Hu gave to handshakes with Mr Tung's putative successors on the Executive Council, who were with Mr Tung in Macau to celebrate the fifth anniversary of its reversion to China. Amid the fever, it was easily forgotten that the president's reprimand extended to the entire government. The chief secretary and financial secretary bear significant responsibility for Hong Kong's descent into administrative paralysis, and that responsibility extends down the line.
There is something sad about the current spate of editorials commending Hong Kong's unity in responding to the victims of the massive tsunami that struck South Asia - sad because the city is so divided over nearly every other issue.
This is not the way things have to be, although both Chinese tradition and western psychology would argue that character determines fate. The sincerity of the current wave of civic activism is palpable, and presents real opportunities for strengthening governance. Gestures of humility, patience, understanding and equal sincerity in explaining the government's perspective and objectives will go a long way. It should be looking for ways to break free of rigid thinking on policy, canvassing the public for ideas and expanding current experiments in deliberative democracy.
