Nation: HK LegCo members deny ‘mainlandization’

▶ Hong Kong freedom never affected, say district councilor, businessmen

Hong Kong legislative council members and businessmen disputed accusations of Hong Kong “mainlandization,” saying frequent cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong have boosted its economy and patriotism.

Yu Min, former chairman of the Hong Kong Kwun Tong Industries and Commerce Association, who came to Hong Kong from East China’s Fujian Province in the 1980s, told the Global Times on Tuesday that stronger cooperation and frequent communication between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong have benefited Hong Kong people.

“Many Hong Kong people went to the mainland for business as there was not enough development space in Hong Kong, a densely populated city with less land,” Yu said.

He said that a few young people, due to housing problems and uncertainty about their future, may harbor some negative sentiments.

Some young people in Hong Kong have been complaining about “mainlandization,” claiming Hong Kong’s freedom of speech, academic freedom and identity were under threat.

In January hundreds of students protested against compulsory testing of Putonghua, AFP reported.

“The students who protested against learning Putonghua were the minority,” Yu said.

“Learning Putonghua actually benefits Hong Kong students for their future jobs in the city or in other countries as more than a billion people worldwide now speak Putonghua.”

Hung Kam-in, a member of Kwun Tong District Council, told the Global Times on Tuesday that he heard some opposition parties and pro-independence activists claim that Hong Kong has lost its freedom of speech and assembly freedom due to the increased influence of the mainland.

But Hong Kong’s freedom has never been affected, Hung said.

“The opposition parties’ frequent complaints about the government have, in fact, proven Hong Kong’s freedom,” Hung said.

Hong Kong businessmen interviewed by the Global Times hailed the economic cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong.

Projects such as GuangdongHong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Hong Kong-ZhuhaiMacao bridge will greatly boost Hong Kong’s economy, Li Yik-pan, founder of Sunshine Group food company, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

“Pro-independence forces will never succeed. Even if they have foreign passports, they still have the same Chinese ancestors,” Li said.

Li and Yu suggested the Hong Kong government strengthen education to young people, and encourage more Hong Kong students to visit the mainland and learn about the country’s history.