Hong Kong is not Taiwan, but its commitment to democracy is no less significant

Gary Wong says it rankles when democracies such as Taiwan say the city lacks a free soul, but the best comeback would be to unite and succeed in the quest for universal suffrage

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Demonstrators taking part in Hong Kong’s annual pro-democracy march carry a banner saying “I want genuine universal suffrage”, above the hashtag “Umbrella Revolution”, last July 1. Photo: AP

Published: 11:01am, 23 Apr 2017Updated: 7:33pm, 24 Apr 2017

In 2014, Ko Wen-je broke the ideological rivalry between the blue and green coalitions in Taiwan to become the first Taipei mayor with no party affiliation.

I studied his campaign model in the hope of seeking an alternative path out of the split in Hong Kong between the pro-establishment, pan-democratic and self-determination camps, and recently attended Ko’s seminar in Taipei. His ideas on politics and management were insightful, but his comment about Hong Kong sparked a reaction from those of us fighting for democracy here.

He said: “Hong Kong is not only small, but it also does not have democratic elections. What is there to envy in Hong Kong? It doesn’t even have a soul that is free.”

Ko Wen-je acknowledges the cheers of the crowds on becoming the newly elected mayor of Taipei, on November 29, 2014. Photo: CNA

Hong Kong is an international city that draws many visitors every year. Its attractions need no introduction. But is it true that it does not have a free soul?

It is ironic that Hong Kong, despite being a developed city, still does not have universal suffrage in choosing its leader. By contrast, the evolution of democracy in Taiwan has been much faster. Electoral politics, electoral public relations and political parties are all better developed. We have a lot to learn from the Taiwanese.