Editorial | Mishandling project for new museum may defeat good intention
- While the plan for a new museum showcasing the nation’s triumphs was generally well received when it was announced, concerns that existing museums may have to make way for the new venture risk it escalating into a political controversy
If there is anything more that could be done to enhance patriotism and national education, the city probably can do with a new museum showcasing the country’s achievements.
While the initiative has generally been well received following the announcement in the policy address in October, it may easily escalate into a political controversy if not handled carefully.
The public is understandably concerned when some existing museums have to make way for the new venture. The government has suggested freeing up a prime site in Tsim Sha Tsui for the project and relocating the popular Science Museum to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin.
The latter’s exhibits, such as the ones on kung fu icon Bruce Lee and martial arts novelist Jin Rong, may be relocated to other purpose-built museums in future, raising questions whether the 23-year-old institution dedicated to local culture would be killed off.
Officials stressed these were just preliminary proposals, adding that it would not rule out recommissioning the heritage museum elsewhere.
We hope this is not just rhetoric to take the heat off the discussion for the time being. A more affirmative answer on preserving the Sha Tin museum would have eased the concerns. .
