Hong Kong ruler challenged over mass pro-democracy rally

HONG Kong newspapers said yesterday that the massive turnout at a pro-democracy rally in the Chinese territory indicates demands for far-reaching reforms are more pressing than ever and urged the government to respond.

Organisers said yesterday’s protest drew 250,000 people calling for full direct elections, while police put the turnout at 63,000.

“The Beijing and Hong Kong governments could not muster any persuasive reason to rebut the people’s aspirations. All they have is authoritarianism and delay tactics,” said the mass-market Apple Daily.

“With such a strong and widespread consensus for a timetable on full democracy, why are the governments still muttering excuses?” the newspaper asked.

In 2003, half a million people took to Hong Kong’s streets to protest against a proposed anti-subversion law, forcing the government to shelve the Bill.

Hong Kong voters currently choose only half of the members of their 60-member legislative council, while the others are selected by special interest groups. An 800-strong committee chooses Hong Kong’s chief executive.

Beijing has warned that a quick move towards democracy would threaten political stability and the economy.

Yesterday, demonstrators urged Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang to come up with a roadmap specifying when and how Hong Kong can have full direct elections, which are promised as an eventual goal under its constitution.

They also criticised the government’s bid to push through a political reform package that critics say is too conservative.

An editorial in the South China Morning Post noted that democratic aspirations remain alive, regardless of how well the former British colony is doing.

“[The protest] took place at a time when the economy is in good shape, the political climate calm, and the chief executive enjoys a high level of popularity. ... These factors are no longer sufficient to quell the calls from the community for democracy,” it said, pointing out that while Tsang has tried to be conciliatory, he has not made any concrete promises.

“Mr Tsang’s approach seems to be that his way is the best way of achieving the protesters’ aims,” the newspaper said.

Under the government’s package of reforms, the committee that chooses Hong Kong’s leader would double in size, and the legislature would be expanded.

But critics contend that some of the extra MPs would not be voted for by the general public and say the plan lays out no timetable for when Hong Kong residents will be able to directly vote for their leader and entire legislature.

The pro-Beijing daily Wen Wei Po went against the grain yesterday, labeling the rally a “carnival”, stressing that protesters should understand Hong Kong and Beijing have already made sincere moves toward democracy.