B&R better mission for students than seeking impossible independence

Chow Pak-chin points out authorities in schools as well as universities cannot shirk their responsibility and need to discipline any students who promote HK separatism

Together with Hong Kong National Front, about 10 students from separatist group Studentlocalism protested outside Kwai Chung Methodist College, a secondary school, just because one of their leaders was given a warning for displaying a pro-independence slogan in a photo with Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

It is not the group's first display - they have distributed separatism-themed flyers and stickers to students. They conducted a campaign to advocate that Hong Kong breaks away from China by giving out flyers in and around campuses on Sept 1, the first day of the school year. The flyers are all about "Hong Kong independence".

These issues erupted in universities at the same time. Independence-themed banners and posters surfaced on several university campuses, leading to a controversial discussion on freedom of speech and the spirit of "one country, two systems" under the Basic Law.

The result of the recent independence incident in Catalonia is a perfect lesson for students who dream of Hong Kong being separated from China. Ever since Catalonia's separatist government declared independence from Spain it faced opposition from the European Union, while United States President Donald Trump also expressed immediately that Spain is a great country and should maintain unity, and criticized Catalonia's failure to stay in Spain as "quite stupid".

As some "pan-democratic" lawmakers and young activists really enjoy their frequent trips to the United Kingdom and US, during which they always collude with foreign forces and make unreal statements about the country and the city, they should know if talking about the principle of "one China" or "one country, two systems", there will be no country willing to easily cross the border.

I hope those with ulterior motives who want to promote Catalonia as a role model stop doing so. Just as for Catalonia, independence of Hong Kong is unfeasible, illegal and would bring terrible consequences.

Independence flyers appearing in school is all about education. Some Hong Kong parents, teachers and principals hold an illogical and unreasonably generous attitude when young people make mistakes.

They do need to be criticized and held responsible for their illegal behavior. If anyone dared point out young people's mistakes, this person would definitely become a target of attack by those who claim to care about the youngsters.

Promoting "Hong Kong independence" is not about freedom of speech. The relevant education groups, schools, school sponsors, and most importantly the principals, should have the responsibility to stop such things from happening.

For instance, can a student promote atheism or make anti-Christian remarks in a church school? I don't believe if the situation really occurs, principals, teachers or education groups will not take any action.

Some principals say they do not agree and do not support "Hong Kong independence". However, a statement does not solve the problem. Let's say, if students cheat on examinations, will the principals and teachers just say that they "do not agree or do not support" such acts, and then just let the students go?

It seems students are small flowers in the greenhouses. Any serious criticism will be labeled as "repression". But the fact is, if not pruned in time, when young trees grow unnecessary branches they will definitely threaten their health.

President Xi Jinping said officials who shirk their responsibility should be ashamed of themselves. This not only refers to government officials, but also means all management teams, including principals. Would a company's manager, when employees are always late for work, not take action? Being manager means responsibility and saying goodbye to being nice to everyone.

The issue of "Hong Kong independence" is absolutely wasting the time of students and young people, worse still it may lead students to become extreme, and intensify their activities, and then make horrible actions.

It came to my notice that the Belt and Road Hong Kong Center recently promoted a scholarship program, named "New Runway Project", to encourage secondary school and university students to explore career opportunities in Belt and Road countries.

The scheme will help students understand opportunities in countries along the Belt and Road from a career-development perspective. Participating students will have a free chance to experience life and culture in developing countries, including India, Pakistan or Bangladesh, as well as some Middle Eastern and African countries.

Developing countries along the Belt and Road, especially those in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, are developing rapidly. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong businessmen have continuously expanded the size and type of investments and businesses, which will provide new career development opportunities for young people in Hong Kong.

Young ones, instead of wasting your time and effort on some illegal and unfeasible matters, this writer appeals to you to open your eyes and heart to the world, to appreciate what our country is doing on the international arena. Compared with giving out flyers promoting "Hong Kong independence", it is a much more significant and meaningful mission for you to participate in, from which you will definitely benefit.

(HK Edition 12/01/2017 page12)