HK Policy Address 2024: Activists urge democracy, free press and enhanced worker rights outside legislature

Hong Kong Free Press

One of Hong Kong’s last remaining pro-democracy groups, the League of Social Democrats (LSD), rallied outside government headquarters in Admiralty on Wednesday morning, the day of Chief Executive John Lee’s third Policy Address.

Members of League of Social Democrats, one of the last remaining pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong, files a petition outside the Central Government Offices on October 16, 2024, hours before Chief Executive John Lee is set to deliver his third Policy Address. The banner reads: “Detached from public opinion, empty talk about reform, return to democracy, reform people’s livelihood.” Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The LSD called for dual universal suffrage and for people’s constitutional rights and freedoms to be protected, including the right to vote, as well as the freedom of the press and free speech. They also voiced opposition to plans for a massive infrastructure project off the coast of Lantau, and demanded more public housing and elderly care facilities.

Hong Kong’s leader John Lee will deliver the third Policy Address of his term on Wednesday, with the focus set to shift from national security to reviving the economy and improving health services and housing – including a clampdown on the city’s notorious subdivided flats.

Chief Executive John Lee presents the 2024 Policy Address document at a press conference on Tuesday, October 15. Photo: GovHK.

On Wednesday, the LSD activists carried a banner reading: “Detached from public opinion; empty talk about reform, return to democracy, reform people’s livelihood.”

The five activists – Tsang Kin-shing, Figo Chan, Chan Po-ying, Raphael Wong and Yu Wai-pan – also voiced opposition to a scheme that brings migrant workers from the mainland to Hong Kong, calling for enhanced rights for workers and to restore collective bargaining rights.

“If the government only listens to one side, especially to the powerful and the rich, and ignore the poor and ordinary Hong Kong people, their policies will not succeed, and the people will pay the price,” said LSD chair Chan Po-ying.

A makeshift media zone was set up with orange tape for reporters near the group, whilst at least five police officers stood by as the activists held their petition.

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https://hongkongfp.com/2024/10/16/hk-policy-address-2024-activists-urge-democracy-free-press-and-enhanced-worker-rights-outside-legislature/