The 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong took place on July 1 2022, and it also marked two years from the national security law coming into effect. Under the new political situation, the survival of many pro-democracy parties and organizations have become increasingly difficult, and some have even dissolved.
The Hong Kong Democratic Party, which was founded in 1994, posted a Declaration Statement on June 30, stating that “restoration of Hong Kong does not only refer to restoration of the land, but most importantly, it is the restoration of people’s hearts.” Only true democracy and greater freedom can win the hearts and minds of Hong Kong people. They also pointed out that those in power should take the first step in mending the sorrow, and called on the government to release all political prisoners. In the face of the difficult political situation, Hong Kong Democratic Party emphasized that it will continue to maintain hope, and will not give up.
The Democratic Party stated in its Declaration Statement that, when the Party was founded, there was a vote of confidence in Hong Kong after the handover of the city in 1997. The Party hoped that democratic universal suffrage and a representative political system would be implemented under the “one country, two systems” principle. It intended to function as a political party to contribute to Hong Kong’s social development, and express the ideas of Hong Kong people. Although we are still far from our founding goals, the original intention of the Democratic Party remains unchanged. We still believe that “one country, two systems,” with “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy,” are policies that are most in line with the aspirations of the Hong Kong people.
The Hong Kong Democratic Party spokesperson said, although our expectations on the implementation of “one country, two systems” is quite different from that of the communist China, we will continue to make clarifications to the Hong Kong government, and to the communist regime.
The spokesperson also recalled the “July 1 Declaration” issued 25 years ago, that frankly stated “restoration of Hong Kong does not only refer to restoration of the land, but most important, it is the restoration of people’s hearts. It is only through allowing true democracy and greater freedom that can the hearts of Hong Kong people be won.” We believe that according to the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, the government should give Hong Kong citizens a high degree of autonomy, freedom in the management of their own affairs, and welcome their participation in social affairs. Letting citizens feel that they can exert their influence on social development through various channels acknowledged within the system is the best way to eliminate social grievances, thus winning back people’s hearts.”
The Democratic Party further pointed out that the success of Hong Kong has always depended on the creativity, vitality, and imagination of Hong Kong citizens. It also mentioned that, only if political parties, the media, and civil society are allowed to freely express their opinions on government policies, can these policies conform to procedural justice and public expectations. “These are the most important characteristics of Hong Kong.”
The Democratic Party further believes that the success of “one country, two systems,” requires mutual trust between the CCP, the Hong Kong government, and Hong Kong citizens. However, the sorrow in the society has been very serious in recent years. If the sorrow remains untreated, the damage will not recover, and Hong Kong can only limp forward slowly. In fact, many citizens have already chosen to emigrate.” They also suggested that the first step in repairing the sorrow should be taken by those in power, and called on the government to release political prisoners, reduce the sadness and confront the worries of Hong Kong people. Only by persistently using different measures to stabilize the hearts of its citizens, can it retain its talents.
Facing the difficult political situations, many members of the Democratic Party or other democracy activists have been imprisoned or remanded on different occasions, and many different organizations have been disbanded or cease to operate. Tired, powerless, helpless, hesitant, discouraged, fearful, worried, but they stated that they will not escape, “because these emotions stem from our love for Hong Kong.”
The Democratic Party also emphasized that it will continue to maintain hope in the future, will not give up, and will try its best to speak up no matter what happens. “The more difficult it is, the more tenacious we should be, the more we must continue to stand, shoulder-to-shoulder, with all the citizens who are willing to stay in Hong Kong; and we will work hard to build the land we love.” It will continue to promote democracy and freedom, defend human rights and the rule of law, work to improve the well-being of citizens, address poverty and housing problems, epidemic prevention, and assist with post-epidemic economic recovery.
At present, many members of the Democratic Party are still on remand pending trial, including the former Eastern District Council Vice-Chairman and former convener of the Democratic Forces Chiu Ka-yin; Former Kowloon East Legislative Councillor, and former New Territories West councillor Wu Chi-wai, who was involved in the “democratic primary election case;” Legislative Council member and former Kwai Tsing District Councillor Wan Siu-kin; Former New Territories East Legislative Council Member, and former North District Councillor Lam Cheuk-ting, to name just a few.
In addition, two senior members of the Democratic Party, including former Democratic Party Chairman and former Hong Kong Island Legislative Council Member Yeung Sum, and former Hong Kong Island Legislative Council Member and former Kwai Tsing District Council Chairman Sin Chung-kai, were also gazetted by the government earlier. They were stripped of their Silver Bauhinia Star Awards and their posts of Justice of the Peace.
In addition, many members of the Democratic Party have also left Hong Kong due to the political situation or have gone into exile, including former Democratic Party Chairman Li Wing-tat and his wife Chen Shu-ying, who left Hong Kong for the UK last year; and former Hong Kong Island Legislative Council member and former Central and Western District Councillor Hui Chi-fung, amongst others.
