Editorial | Protest shows government must work harder to convince public
- Following Sunday’s huge turnout against the proposed extradition law, the city’s leader would be wise to engage further in rational debate rather than rushing it through
Sunday’s huge march against the government’s controversial extradition bill showed Hong Kong people at their best.
It was an almost entirely peaceful expression of dissent, thanks to patience with sweltering heat and slow progress, and the even-handedness of police who opened roads and kept crowds moving. In a regrettable exception after the event had ended, two activist groups that clashed with police seemed bent on forcing confrontation.
The extraordinary demonstration of defiant sentiment earlier must have given officials pause for serious reflection. But Beijing’s and the government’s resolve remains undiminished. The government has made clear it intends to go ahead with the bill tomorrow in the Legislative Council.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor did strike a conciliatory tone yesterday on the plan to allow the transfer of fugitives to the mainland and other jurisdictions with which Hong Kong has no extradition arrangements. She promised to engage the public more intensively and to make some safeguards, such as protection of human rights, binding with a policy statement to Legco.
At this juncture, rational debate is paramount. People must express their views peacefully. Sunday night’s violence is to be condemned. We urge protesters to exercise restraint during a planned demonstration surrounding Legco on Wednesday night.
Having rejected an opportunity to hit the pause button, Lam should redouble her efforts to reassure the public. The government must learn a lesson from the protest march and come up with more convincing explanations for not at least taking time to reflect.
