Current turmoil gives Hong Kong best chance for reforms since 1997 handover

SINGAPORE (Aug 12): Political reforms in Hong Kong, held up by endless debate, have become an urgent necessity. What is required is a democratic system that will be acceptable to a significant portion of the Hong Kong population, even if it leaves a sizeable minority still unsatisfied.

The right formula will allow Hong Kong people to rule Hong Kong, through a system of “one man, one vote” and direct elections for the position of Chief Executive. Such change will vastly strengthen stability and the government’s own legitimacy, making it easier to push aside vested interests standing in the way of urgently needed social and economic reforms.

Only then can we find a way out of the current crisis, which is social, economic and political in nature.

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