I met a 53 year old lady tourist (Ah Ling – not her real name) from Hong Kong in Toronto.
She readily agreed to the following interview, when we talked about the protests in Hong Kong.
Q. I overheard you saying that you participated in the protests. Can you tell me more.
A. My 22 year old daughter went to support the protesters at Admiralty, after her work.
When she told me, I decided to go to support the protests as well.
I also saw in the news of the unannounced tear-gas attack on the student protesters.
So, I and thousands of Hong Kong people bought masks, towels and water to distrbute to the protesters.
I was full of respect for many of the students who simply returned home to bath and change after being tear-gased – and immediately went back to the protests again.
Q. Why did you do what you did?
A. It is the students’ future – if we do not have democracy, transparency and accountability – their future is bleak.
Q. What do you hope will be the outcome?
A. I am not optimistic that much will change in the short term. But I think the protests must continue, because only then will there be hope for a better future.
Q. Did you know that there have been protests in Singapore’s Hong Lim park?
A. Yes. I have seen it in the news.
Q. How do you feel about Singapore and Hong Kong?
A. I think we are better, as at least we can protest in the streets, and have a freer media.
Q. Why do you say this?
A. Well, 5 years ago my daughter was considering studying in Singapore, but she changed her mind because of the lacking in freedom of expression in Singapore.
You are as bad as China.
Q. Anything else you would like to say?
A. We are very unhappy that there are 2 types of parliamentarians in Hong Kong – those truly elected by the people who are working so hard everyday for the people, including protesting on the streets.
And those who don’t do very much – for example those who were appointed even though they lost in the elections.
Q. What is your occupation?
A. I am a housewife for more than 10 years. Before that, I was an entrepreneur in the textile business.
Leong Sze Hian
P.S. Come with your family and friends to the 5th Return Our CPF protest on 25 October 4 pm at Speakers’ Corner https://www.facebook.com/events/446619505476438/
