Masters of our own city

Hong Kong people have done a remarkable job as masters of the city in the 16 years since the handover, which opened a new chapter in Hong Kong history. People familiar with the modern history of China know that Hong Kong residents' self-decision power did not come easy. In the past 16 years, despite all kinds of difficulties and challenges, the SAR government and local residents have made great achievements as masters of their own city and proved they have what it takes to govern and thrive. Through various trials and tribulations the SAR government has gained valuable experience in modern administration as its governing capabilities grew. With the support of local residents it will make Hong Kong a better place for sure.

In the colonial era all governors were appointed by the British government in London while the people of Hong Kong were denied the democratic power to select their own chief administrator and form their own government. For more than one-and-a-half centuries it was "Britons governing Hong Kong" and ethnic Chinese were decidedly kept off the policymaking apparatus, until the handover 16 years ago. Under the principle of "One Country Two Systems", Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong and considerable autonomy, local residents finally are able to elect their own head of government. The Basic Law has set the goal of selecting the Chief Executive and Legislative Councillors by universal suffrage, while the National People's Congress Standing Committee has set a timetable for these elections in 2017 and 2020, respectively.

The late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping pointed out when he put forward the revolutionary idea of "One Country, Two Systems" that it was mainly the ethnic Chinese members of Hong Kong society who built the city's prosperity. Since the handover the SAR government as well as the people of Hong Kong have proved time and again they have what it takes to overcome adversities and thrive with the trust and support of the central government and mainland compatriots. Ready examples can be found in the Asian financial storm, the SARS epidemic, the impact of the sub-prime debacle of the US and ensuing global financial crisis it created.

This is an excerpted translation of a Wen Wei Po editorial published on June 27.

(HK Edition 06/28/2013 page9)