The word “reform” has suddenly filled the Hong Kong political arena with enthusiasm, and opinions from all sides have surged. The last topic that sparked such heated discussion was the abrupt halting of the waste-charging plan. Hong Kong society’s reaction to the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was unexpectedly strong.
Following the session, the central government emphasized the necessity for Hong Kong to take the initiative to pursue reforms for the sake of furthering socioeconomic development in the city. While the feedback from various sectors of Hong Kong society has been generally positive, hesitation is almost palpable in some quarters. I believe that the future trajectory of Hong Kong’s development is intricately linked with the practical implementation of reforms.
The central government’s call for reforms is not a new thing, yet it resonates under the current circumstances. Historical insights, such as those from the report to the 19th National Congress of the CPC, spotlight the shifting needs of the population regarding income distribution and environmental standards. These evolving demands are increasingly defining our commitment to democracy, rule of law, fairness, justice, safety, and environmental stewardship. Over recent years, President Xi Jinping has underlined the critical need for Hong Kong to tackle profound socioeconomic challenges, setting a clear course for the city’s reform efforts, which are intended not as fleeting responses but as sustained actions.
The six governance principles outlined during the third plenary session, notably the “problem-oriented” and “people-centered” approaches, are profoundly aligned with Hong Kong’s pressing reform agenda. These are not mere slogans, but robust frameworks infused with deep social science theories, crafted to guide the development and implementation of policies in a manner that are reflective of and responsive to the real issues we face.
So, how should we implement these reform directions? Clearly, Hong Kong needs to employ scientific methods in policymaking to effectively tackle the challenges ahead. The growing inability of Hong Kong residents to afford housing has starkly highlighted the flaws of trickle-down economics, underscoring the urgency for substantial reforms. These include recognizing the diminishing returns for current beneficiaries of the status quo, which reduces resistance to change, and leveraging the broad societal consensus that now recognizes the urgent need for reform. The current economic climate offers a unique opportunity to unite everyone, as addressing common challenges collectively has clear benefits.
What to reform
The advancement of social fairness, justice, and well-being in Hong Kong hinges on a genuine commitment to foundational governance principles. As we adopt the Five-sphere Integrated Plan, which reflects a holistic approach to national development, it is imperative that we continuously adjust our strategies to align with the evolving social landscape of Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong’s public-service landscape, entities such as the Legislative Council, district councils, District Services and Community Care Teams, and the three committees each have their specific duties and functions. Traditionally seen as separate entities, we should reconceptualize them as part of an “institutional ecosystem”. This reimagining would not only regard them as independently operating administrative or political bodies as in the past, but as an integrated whole, in which they are interdependent and interact to collectively advance policy formulation and implementation. This integration emphasizes the wholeness and connectivity of these bodies, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding and participation in governance by the public, thereby promoting good governance.
In the realm of economic development, it is vital that Hong Kong understands the central government’s intentions, not only by studying the literal meaning of the relevant documents but by comprehending the deeper needs and goals behind them. Given Hong Kong’s unique economic position and role, which grants it a distinctive place in the national strategy, the city must maintain its local characteristics while synchronizing with the nation’s overall development. Every city’s municipal government faces unique challenges; this concept is easy to grasp. However, many, including me, have the bad habit of adopting a “fast food” approach without fully understanding the origins and principles behind other cities’ strategies. For instance, many advocate “learning from Singapore”, and I have been surprised by Shenzhen’s policies, yet without considering the uniqueness of those policies, direct replication is impossible.
Cultural development involves promoting both traditional heritage and contemporary arts to strengthen community identity and foster global cultural exchange. It is crucial not to ignore that sports policies are also a part of culture in Hong Kong. The recent departure of the commissioner for sports from the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, reportedly due to an inability to adapt to the civil service culture, underscores the ongoing discussions in the community about sports policies.
The active participation and support from all societal sectors are essential as we face these challenges together, daring to acknowledge our shortcomings and exploring innovative solutions that allow Hong Kong not only to maintain its stability but to thrive and integrate more seamlessly into the broader national development strategy
Ecological civilization and social improvement require a coordinated approach that incorporates all sectors to effectively address community challenges, ensuring that social policies reflect the diverse needs of our population. Environmental issues like waste charging have recently taken a conservative turn, which has sparked heated discussions among the public.
Issues of fairness often underlie many of these discussions. It is evident that these issues are merely symptomatic of deeper systemic problems that we must address. The passionate reactions from even the moderate factions, regardless of political views, often veer toward negativity and even anger, highlighting the need for policies that are perceived as fair by all.
Retaining the ‘spirit of HK’
Understanding what needs to be reformed is crucial. Our approach to reform may not succeed without achieving consensus across all age groups, just as there are concerns in society about young people involved in the anti-extradition movement integrating into communities and finding jobs.
In fostering effective solidarity, the distinction between mechanical and organic solidarity, as theorized by French sociologist Emile Durkheim, becomes relevant. In Hong Kong, transitioning toward organic solidarity is essential, where solidarity is based not just on the sameness of society’s parts, as seen in mechanical solidarity, but on a differentiated yet cooperative system. This requires a shared set of norms and functions that collectively contribute to the overall societal values, considering the perspectives of Generation Z and even Generation Alpha. These younger generations bring unique viewpoints and digital nativity that must be integrated into the fabric of societal norms and functions to remain relevant and effective.
The convergence of these norms and functions would cultivate a new societal value, a renewed Lion Rock spirit, which symbolizes resilience, inclusivity and collective progress within the modern context of Hong Kong’s unique identity, resonating strongly with the aspirations and the digital engagement of the younger residents. To achieve this, we may need to show leniency toward those who have erred, providing them with space to amend their ways; to offer more patience; and to listen more to those whose opinions differ. With such attitudes in place, we can truly embody a renewed Lion Rock spirit, making reform successful.
As we navigate this reformative course, the successful seminars on the spirit of the third plenary session illustrate Hong Kong’s readiness to reinvent itself. The active participation and support from all societal sectors are essential as we face these challenges together, daring to acknowledge our shortcomings and exploring innovative solutions that allow Hong Kong not only to maintain its stability but to thrive and integrate more seamlessly into the broader national development strategy.
The author is a member of Path of Democracy and serves on the Yuen Long Area Committee, with a focus on youth affairs and urban development issues.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
