Don’t give up on pursuit of democracy, former governor Chris Patten tells Hongkongers
City’s last colonial leader says he understands frustration over lack of progress, but warns that advocating independence from China is a ‘bad idea’
Hong Kong’s last colonial governor Chris Patten wrapped up his four-day visit to the city on Thursday by telling Hongkongers not to give up on their pursuit of democracy and asking Beijing in turn to “trust Hong Kong”.
Speaking at a hall packed with hundreds of people at the University of Hong Kong, Patten said that he could understand the frustration Hong Kong people faced on the city’s road to democracy after Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997.
“What really happened since 1997 is – nothing. There haven’t been new developments that many people have hoped for. I can understand why that produces frustration ... which mushroomed in 2014,” he said.
The chief executive is currently selected by a 1,200-strong panel.
After 20 years, it’s time Patten gave it a rest
“The demonstration caught the attention of the world in an extraordinary way, mostly because of the way it was conducted. Do I think that because it didn’t work, people should give up on democracy? No, I don’t,” Patten said.
