Shall We Think ?

By 7B Hung Man Kit

“What luck for the rulers that men do not think.” said Adolf Hitler.

        Recently, the election of a new Chief Executive for the HKSAR has set the community on fire. Though it is not a universal suffrage, the locals participate actively in the discussion about the qualities our future leader should possess. It is lucky to see that we have the intention to “think” about our future leaders. However, some qualities suggested are not quite reasonable. I am thus writing to share my views over three most important qualities our future head should possess.

        On the top of the lists, intelligence should be attached with the greatest importance. I believe you will agree with me that the local economy is facing a tremendous drive. In the foreseen future, the era of plain-sailing economy in the 1990s will be over, whereas it is vital for us to prepare ourselves for the upcoming challenge. Therefore, an intelligent leader is urgently needed to direct us to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Otherwise, the tragedy of financial turmoil in 2003 may reappear which would lead to other problems such as unemployment and a sweeping craze of bankruptcies of middle-scale corporations. Besides, other problems are constantly bombarding our society as well. The crisis of illegally-partioned flats can never be effectively addressed without intelligence, whereas the flood of mainland mothers can never be stopped without clever manipulation. Therefore, a capable and intelligent leader is of paramount importance.

      Communication skill is another crux of the matter as well. The pictures of Henry Tang saying “It’s completely rubbish” and “Young people may finally die with a demolished car “ never fade in every single Hong Konger’s mind. Admittedly, they cause boos and hisses from the young people, if not all Hong Kong people. Our new leader should therefore be equipped with advanced communication skills in order to establish a good relationship with Hong Kong people. With a bridge between the government and citizens, officials can effectively understand the requirements of the public and implement policies that cater for their needs, “Guangdong Scheme” that benefits the elderly and the distribution of $6000 cash as proposed are prime examples illustrating this.

 Finally, commitment to social justice is another core subject we should not ignore. Thanks to the good legal system in Hong Kong, it enjoys a beautiful international reputation and thus attracts an unlimited supply of capital and tourists. Maintaining a fair and independent legal system is the job of every Chief Executive, but social justice is more than that. Promising social justice should be regarded as satisfying the collective benefits of society, which also means balancing the interests and resolving conflicts between different layers of society. The illegal construction of village houses in the New Territories can be cited as an example. Many critics have already pointed their accusing fingers at the government for having a double standard towards those illegal constructions. It was suspected that only unlawful buildings in urban areas were charged, whereas the indigenous inhabitants of the New Territories enjoy an untold privilege. Therefore, it is time for the Chief Executive who upholds social justice to do something. Our future leader should be the one who will not use negotiation as an excuse for belated law enforcement but the one who has a bottom line and the one who will fulfill his commitment to social justice.

     Universal suffrage is a long way to go. But it is our right to consider the right leader, no matter we have the right to vote or not. In my opinion, it is vitally important for our next Chief Executive to possess intelligence, communication skills and commitment to social justice in order to lead Hong Kong facing the ever-emerging challenges.

     Yes, we shall think, but in a more profound way.