More than a fifth of Hongkongers are considering emigration in light of the recent increase in political conflict, according to a study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The survey, conducted between Sept. 10 and 17 this year, was based on telephone interviews with Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong residents, undertaken by the university’s Centre for Communication and Public Opinion. Who cares about English speakers, right?
Of the 1,006 people who responded, more than 21 percent said they had considered moving away due to the political unrest, continuous rallies and protests in the city.
In a statement, the CUHK insisted that controversies over Hong Kong’s political reforms have become far more serious in the past few years.
With residents demanding “universal suffrage” in the 2017 elections and the upcoming Occupy Central with Love and Peace movement promising imminent acts of civil disobedience, political instability in the city is predicted to rise.
The majority of the respondents said they had no trust or faith in the Hong Kong or Beijing governments, with the younger, more educated generation feeling most strongly about this. Yay education!
More than 50 percent of the respondents believe that Hongkongers should have the right to democratically choose candidates for the position of Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, without interference from Beijing.
Such ideas will no doubt trouble China’s Communist Party, which fears mainland cities could follow in the footsteps of Hong Kong and Macau in turning towards democracy.
However, the survey showed that less than a third of the respondents said they support the Occupy Central movement.
Look on the bright side. The MTR may become 20 percent less crowded five years down the line!
Photo: Harry via Flickr
