Weekend of violence draws flak in HK
Parties, medical professionals call for peace, help in restoring law and order
Riotous protesters in Hong Kong have drawn widespread condemnation, including from the city’s political parties, following another weekend of turmoil that saw acts of violence and arson.
About 600 medical professionals, in a jointly signed letter in some local newspapers on Sept 16, called on the medical sector and the people of Hong Kong to save the city from the “critical illness” of chaos and violence, and help the police force in restoring law and order.
They refused to be misrepresented after some doctors and nurses urged the government to concede to demands of the radicals, including a blanket amnesty for those arrested in connection with the months-long unrest. They said the police force has been demonized amid the escalating violence.
Stressing that the Hong Kong community should not tolerate any violent acts that disrupt law and order, the New People’s Party on Sept 15 called on authorities to introduce anti-mask legislation to contain the unrest.
The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, the city’s largest political party in the legislature, said in a statement on the night of Sept 15 that it urges all residents to immediately draw a clear line against violence and to not tolerate such extremely violent acts.
To break the current political impasse, the party hopes the people of Hong Kong can join the government’s efforts in solving the city’s deep-rooted problems through dialogue.
The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, the city’s largest labor group, deplored the rioters’ outrageous acts that have defied law and spread hatred among society. It appealed to all sectors to unite and restore peace and order in Hong Kong soon.
Jacob Kam Chak-pui, CEO of MTR Corp, said on a television talk show that the vandalism at more than 90 metro stations across the city has made it more difficult to complete repairs. The acute shortage of spare parts for repairs was a key problem, Kam said.
Along the procession route on Sept 15, stores and shopping malls closed earlier than usual. Some tram services were also suspended.
The vandalism at more than 90 metro stations across the city has made it more difficult to complete repairs.
JACOB KAM CHAK-PUI
CEO of MTR Corp