HK citizens march for social stability
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-01-02 09:34

Tens of thousands of Hong Kong citizens marched on the New Year Day to show their strong condemnation of, and anger at some politicians for their moves that have damaged Hong Kong's interests and disturbed its social order.

They also voiced the prevailing will for maintaining the stability and development of the Hong Kong society.

They marched through the central districts, carrying slogans saying "Condemn cunning politicians who try to destroy Hong Kong," "For stability and prosperity," "Smash any sabotaging schemes."

Hong Kong citizens march on the New Year Day to show their strong condemnation of, and anger at some politicians for their moves that have damaged Hong Kong's interests and disturbed its social order.[newsphoto]

According to the organizers, about 40,000 to 50,000 people joined the march.

Some politicians in Hong Kong played tricks lately to block the listing of the world largest property trust - the Link Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

Originally the Hong Kong government had planned to sell shops and parking lots through the trust, valuing about 3 billion US dollars.

However, due to the tricks by these politicians, the government was forced to shelve the plan just hours before the listing as two tenants of the related housing filed a lawsuit at the last minute, claiming the listing violated relative regulations.

The failure of REIT's listing has caused a loss of at least 700 million Hong Kong dollars (89.74 million US dollars), and affected over 510,000 Hong Kong citizens. Also, it tarnished Hong Kong's image as an international financial hub.

Many marchers said these politicians disrupted Hong Kong's financial market to serve their own political purpose, thus causing immeasurable damages to Hong Kong.

They also hoped, by the march, these politicians could learn the aspiration of Hong Kong people and do things in the overall interests of Hong Kong in the future.

Legislative Council member Leung Kwok-hung, who had been lashed by name by the Hong Kong citizens, created a scene at the march site and was arrested by police for destroying public security.

The marchers also made generous donations to the Asian tsunami victims to show their love and sympathy.

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