Hong Kong must strive for democracy, not go down the independence dead end

This year, I resigned from my full-time job and stood in the Legislative Council election. Amid the chaos of Hong Kong politics, I had hoped to offer citizens an alternative, rational and moderate voice. I aspired to be a legislator who was willing to bridge divides, resume political reform and preserve order and dignity in the legislature.

Regrettably, I failed to win enough support for the path of constructive democracy, a third option other than the traditional pro-establishment and pan-democratic camps. Given the political fragmentation in Legco, it was clear that the future would be difficult. Yet it had never crossed my mind that newly elected legislators would stage protests even before they were sworn in. The consequences, as we now know, were an interpretation of the Basic Law by Beijing and a series of judicial reviews.

Less than three months after the Legco election, two lawmakers-elect have been disqualified and more are likely to lose their seats. This will result in by-elections – and a huge expenditure of manpower, money and time. Yet what has all this yielded for society except deeper hatred, conflict and exhaustion? Between democracy, independence and self-determination, have we considered which is the most worthwhile to pursue?

Across the globe, are there any countries that would tolerate an oath being taken insincerely and inaccurately? Freedom of speech never implies speaking without restraint on any occasion. In some countries, lawmakers would be immediately disqualified if they did not swear their oath of office accordingly, or if they touched on sensitive ideas such as independence and secessionism.