People moving to the UK lack foresight: Tung Chee-hwa

Former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa on Monday urged people not to leave Hong Kong, accusing those who have chosen to migrate to places like the UK of “lacking foresight”.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Hong Kong Coalition, of which Tung serves as a chief convenor, the former SAR leader said the territory has a great deal of potential in areas such as trade, finance and IT development.

He called on those who are considering leaving the territory to think again, saying Hong Kong has what it takes to become “the place where everybody wants to be”.

He added that “the best is yet to come” for Hong Kong and the mainland, saying even his friends in the US have praised China for its “tremendous success” in reining in the spread of Covid-19.

“The world has changed, everyone is looking up to China now,” he quoted one friend as saying.

Tung, who’s also the vice chairman of the country’s top political advisory body, also said China “can’t be too proud” of its success and achievements.

“Even though many major countries are now ‘kidding us’ because of our accomplishments, I am confident we’ll come out even stronger,” he said.

Another chief convenor of the coalition, CY Leung, said now is the best time for Hong Kong to “start again” – with the national security law and electoral overhaul having “restored normality” to the city.

Leung, also another former chief executive, said the coalition will focus its resources on promoting Hong Kong’s integration with the Greater Bay Area.