Opinion | Best to stick with cautious optimism in Year of the Pig

An assurance of good luck is of vital importance at Lunar New Year. That is why rural communities religiously take to the Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin this time of year in the hope of seeking some words of wisdom from the mighty and divine. As the Chinese believe, there is no better way to start a new year than being blessed by the wheel of fortune.

Luck is not always on our side, though. The “middle” or average fortune stick drawn yesterday by Heung Yee Kuk chairman Kenneth Lau Ip-keung did not inspire much hope and confidence. It even warned of misfortune at home and futility in the pursuit of wealth, experts said. But that did not stop Lau, the rural chief, from putting a positive spin on its message. Describing the stick as auspicious, Lau was adamant that the city had strong fundamentals. There may well be differences in opinion, but a bright future lay ahead when there was support for the government and fewer disputes, he said.

Bad omen for Hong Kong as rural leader draws unlucky fortune stick

Lau could not be faulted for being cautiously optimistic. In fact, his interpretations ring true regardless of whatever stick drawn. But, for those who have always greeted the ritual with a pinch of salt, it reinforces their reservations over putting Hong Kong’s fortunes in the hands of those who are seen as unrepresentative of the whole city.

The stick seems to reflect the challenges facing the city. Externally, tension over the US-China trade war and the sluggish growth of the mainland economy have added to the uncertainties. Internally, the leadership of Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor is being increasingly put to the test. Over the past 18 months, the relatively harmonious sociopolitical order has gradually given way to confrontation and bickering. There have also been policy mishaps in recent weeks that have prompted Lam to think again about her governance. With political parties gearing up for the district council and Legislative Council elections in the next two years, the pressure facing her administration will be even greater.

Whichever way the wheel of fortune turns, Chinese wisdom says one should always hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Even though the signs may not augur well for a smooth year ahead, a sense of cautious optimism is advisable.