Young on Whose Interest the Political Reform Veto Serves

"Democrats must seek talks, as a veto is likely to serve Beijing's interests most"
South China Morning Post
15 January 2015

Simon Young says pan-democrats can "seize the opportunity" by drawing up a list of negotiable demands and seeking talks with the government, to test its commitment to universal suffrage - before they consider a veto

There are growing signs that both the central and Hong Kong governments no longer see universal suffrage in 2017 as a priority. Did they ever? I think they did because it was perceived as a way to confer greater legitimacy on those in power and thereby aid in their ability to govern. However, it seems that after the Occupy protests there is now an indifference if not hesitation in taking this major step in political reform.  If movement towards universal suffrage invites disruptive unlawful protests and interference by foreign governments, then Hong Kong is not ready for universal suffrage, nor is the central government. The signs of this new thinking are telling... Click here to read the full article.