Let's avoid another Tiananmen Square tragedy

LETTER | Many years ago, I watched the movie Gandhi and I was inspired by a dialogue between the mahatma and a Hindu zealot. It happened in the context of Hindu–Muslim enmity in India. 

In that dialogue, Gandhi scolds the Hindu man by saying that his behaviour of organising religiously inspired demonstration and resorting to violence creates fear among his own brothers and sisters.

Violent demonstrations only create fear among the vulnerable population. It does not only affect others but our own families.

The Association for Community and Dialogue, which is part of a global family, is concerned about the violent demonstrations in Hong Kong which is creating anxiety on what possible response will be from China. Memories of the Tiananmen Square tragedy is still fresh in mind where many young people were killed because China would not tolerate those who challenge its authority.

In the current global political landscape, there are civil societies and governments who analyse issues from two perspectives. Some NGOs who have global concern tend to see the issues related to Hong Kong from the perspective of a Western legacy and interference and tries to downplay domestic issues that allowed the current upheaval. 

For example, some analysts say that the issues related to Hong Kong goes back to its origins in British rule where the acquisition of private property is regarded as sacrosanct and it has basically deprived the poorer segment who can’t afford to acquire property.

Besides that, there is an interference of Western powers who are hell-bent on breaking up China due to envy of its progress.

There are some civil societies and governments who would see the conflict as completely a domestic conflict where the people of Hong Kong are fighting for freedom from an authoritarian Chinese government.

The evidence was the proposal for an extradition law where citizens and foreign nationals were at risk, where the law would allow suspects to stand trial in China. Currently, the law has been withdrawn.

In placing the issues together, Hong Kong is basically suffering from the twin evil of authoritarianism and imperialism. What is required is an indigenous struggle for social justice within China and the opposition to the interference of foreign powers.

Such a struggle would bring credibility to Hong Kong demonstrators, and the Chinese government would soon realise that its citizens are not working in cohort with foreign powers to break up the motherland.

In such a context, it is possible for an authentic dialogue that preserves the unity of China and, at the same time, the opportunity to resolve outstanding issues related to democracy and governance.

It is hoped that a holistic solution should take into consideration the legitimate aspiration of Hong Kong citizens for social justice and implement the overall concern for Chinese sovereignty. 

Creating fear among Hong Kong citizens through violent demonstration is not democratic and ethical. It is purely unjust to one’s brothers and sisters.

RONALD BENJAMIN is the Association for Community and Dialogue secretary.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.