Joint Statement by Constructive Power: Hong Kong Needs Reform - Work together to Create a Brighter Tomorrow (Full Text) August 9, 2020
At present, Hong Kong stands at a critical historical threshold. With the well-being of the citizens in mind, we are committed to supporting the full implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", rationally supporting and supervising the governance of the SAR government, and safeguarding the common interests of the citizens of Hong Kong. At this critical moment, we put forth our four points of consensus and hope.
1. Lives are at stake; fighting the pandemic is the priority
Life is priceless, and health is priceless. We are grateful to the Central Government for sending personnel to assist in expanding nucleic acid testing and helping to build a mobile-cabin hospital. We hope that the SAR government will utilise the advantages of "One Country, Two Systems". That includes making good use of state support; learning from the mainland's successful experience in fighting the epidemic; mobilising all forces to strengthen tracing and blocking the source of the disease. Meanwhile, continue to strictly control public gatherings, control the pandemic as soon as possible, and safeguard the people's health. We urge society to raise awareness of epidemic prevention, protect ourselves and others while fully supporting and cooperating with the HKSAR Government's various anti-epidemic measures.
2. Revive the economy and relieve the people's hardships
Riots over the past year, coupled with the epidemic's impact, dealt a double blow to Hong Kong's economy, resulting in a jump in unemployment. The incomes of enterprises and citizens are precarious, and their hearts are uneasy. While doing its best to fight the epidemic and stabilise the situation, we also ask the SAR government to achieve joint prevention and joint control in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through mutual recognition of health codes. It would allow both sides to gradually restore regular trade and personnel exchanges to speed up the economic recovery, a policy that we consider to be the cure. We call on the SAR government to adopt more aggressive measures and deliver them precisely. We recommend increasing temporary jobs via comprehensive policies, carrying out infrastructure projects, and improving the unemployment assistance system to help the public survive the economic downturn.
3. Promote change and break through the dilemma
As the world ushers in a century of change, Hong Kong has reached a crossroads and faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. We believe that only change in Hong Kong society can consolidate its advantages, restore stability and regain prosperity. We shall fully support the reform of the SAR government's governance to improve administrative efficiency. Other initiatives include promoting economic change and industrial diversification, actively investing in the construction of the Greater Bay Area and integrating into the overall national development situation. At the society level, solve deep-seated institutional dilemmas, straighten out the development process, increase land supply, improve living conditions, narrow the rich-poor divide, improve the retirement protection scheme, and comprehensively improve medical services. We will work with Hong Kong citizens during the reforms to drive Hong Kong out of its predicament.
4 Let go of differences and defend our home
Hong Kong experienced unprecedented turmoil and social division. We call on Hong Kong citizens to let go of disputes and differences, rebuild harmony and mutual trust, and protect our common home. We call on the administration to listen to the voices of the public and respond to public opinion promptly. We are willing to build more platforms for young people to communicate, participate, cultivate, and play at the social, school, and family levels to create more opportunities and better conditions for young people's studies, careers, and homeownership. Together with all the citizens who love Hong Kong, we will uphold the "One Country" principle and safeguard the relationship between the Central Government and the Special Administrative Region per the law. We will continue to maintain the characteristics of "Two Systems", adhere to the core values of democracy and the rule of law so that the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" can get back on track and achieve long-term stability.
Hong Kong is our shared home, and the spirit of Lion Rock which promotes unity has inspired generations of Hong Kong people to rise against difficulties. We believe that as long as all those who love Hong Kong and cherish Hong Kong work together with one heart and one mind, Hong Kong will reach a new peak!
［2020-08-09］
