The voice of Hong Kong's silent majority must be heard

It should not come as a surprise that more than 300,000 Hong Kong residents, from all walks of life and from different nationalities, participated in a rally convened by over 70 civic leaders on Saturday.

That the organizers represented the business sector, student groups, civic organizations and police associations shows they've had enough of the radical youths, who for weeks have made headlines for resorting to violence supposedly to oppose an amendment to Hong Kong's extradition law.

These radical youths have attacked police officers, stormed the legislature, and laid siege to the police headquarters, all carried out in illegal and violent fashion, which the silent majority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region could no longer remain mute spectators to.

This silent majority gathered together with one purpose in mind: to defend the SAR, its residents, its business and its values by demanding an immediate end to the violence. The message "end divisions, defend Hong Kong" was read out loud and clear by a young student at the rally held in Hong Kong's central administrative and business center.

The silent majority of the SAR would have preferred to live a peaceful life and strive to achieve their dreams rather than rack their brains over politics were it not for the danger their city is facing. Hong Kong's social order and reputation as one of the world's safest cities are not the only things at risk. The rule of law－which Hong Kong residents cherish most and is crucial for the SAR's long-term stability and prosperity－is also under threat.

The radical elements' sustained attacks on Hong Kong's social fabric are a potent threat to the SAR's social stability and economic prosperity. Not to mention people's livelihoods and well being.

The silent majority has realized the violence unleashed by some fanatic elements is not really against the bill to amend the extradition law, because the SAR leadership has long pronounced it dead. Instead, their goal is to advance their own political agenda by exploiting the controversy over the bill.

Unfortunately, some impulsive and reckless young people unhappy with social inequality have been manipulated by these political radicals to cause mayhem in the city, in a bid to fulfill their own narrow political goals.

The silent majority of Hong Kong, realizing the dirty game being played by the political radicals, has rightfully resolved to stand up and defend their city.