While pro-establishment remains the mainstream, up-and-coming young political talents must be cultivated and trained to build a harmonious society together (Part II)
The lowering of age of participants in elections is a good phenomenon that should be greeted with cheers. Although some newly registered voters cast their first-time votes for the"umbrella-soldier"candidates, their care about social affairs and recognition of the existing system and structure by acting to fulfil their civic responsibilities are praiseworthy. Not to mention that lowering of age of participants is not just limited to the pan-democratic camp, the pro-establishment camp also has a number of rising young stars and up-and-coming young talents who have made good, inspiring achievements. The one who has defeated Frederick Fung Kin-kee, a long-time "shoo-in" in district council elections, is not a heavyweight from the pro-establishment camp, but a"Floret"- 25-year-old Chan Wing-yan. This is really like what is said in the old sayings:"A young phoenix sings better"and "Mighty oaks from little acorns grow". How can one not see younger-generation political participants in a new light?
It can be certain that after this year's district council election, how to cultivate and train younger talents has already become an urgent issue facing all political parties and organisations in Hong Kong. It could be said that in all elections from now on whoever has young talents will win"all under Heaven". In particular, pro-establishment parties do not lack senior personnel, but they lack outstanding young people who have a loving heart for the nation and Hong Kong, the aspiration to serve society and a good educational background.
Taking Chan Wing-yan, the most shining"Floret"in the just-concluded district council election, for example, from a civil-servant family, she graduated from the University of Hong Kong and studied in United Kingdom. After coming back to Hong Kong, she joined the DAB to sincerely and proactively engage in district affairs. Also beautiful in looking, she has already left a good impression in the community. In face of such a high-quality"Floret", Old Brother Kee could not help but throw in the towel. What is hard to come by is that Chan Wing-yan is not puffed up by success. She bowed to Frederick Fung in return for his congratulations on her being elected. Modest in attitude, the girl is teachable and promising. If the DAB, FTU and other pro-establishment organisations could cultivate and train more outstanding talents like Holden Chow Ho-ding, Frankie Ngan Man-yu, Chan Wing-yan, Hung Kam-in, there would be no worry for them about success.
It goes without saying that, while cultivating and training more young political participants, only by improving the party's overall image and get rid of its stereotyped look so that it could truly represent the interests of vast majority of citizens to support whatever is right and oppose whatever is wrong in government's administration, and only by rejuvenating the party, can it open up new prospects for its younger-generation members and to win victories in elections. At present, DAB Chairwoman Starry Lee Wai King herself is a young person with a good image and good performance. With support from her predecessors, she surely will be able to united elderly, middle-aged and young people inside and outside the party and lead the DAB to open up new prospects and march forward.
The last of the three inspirations comes from the fact that citizens are eager for change. What they aspire is not a regime change, but a harmonious society, effective administration, economic development and improvement of people's livelihood. Changes that mess up things are not welcomed, but"no change"does not enjoy popular support either. Citizens are tired of endless political antagonism, disgusted by unconstructive quarrels and filibustering in the legislature, and even more sick of and unnerved by the increasingly depressing social atmosphere and stagnant economic situation. Every vote cast in the just-concluded district council election represents a voice and appeal of citizens. How is it possible for those charged with governance and various political forces to turn a deaf ear and remain completely indifferent? (End)
24 November 2015
