2015 has been a year full of action in the political and diplomatic fronts. HT reviews some of our favourite articles ranging from political reform to education governance turmoil and even a mysterious death where the facts remain murky.
Politics
It will be difficult to top 2014 for political drama, the most eventful since 2003. But 2015 still feels the heat coming off the embers left behind by Occupy Central and the birth of the Umbrella Movement in the form of ascendant localism. The dramatic end of the political reform saga as well as the first District Council elections that followed also stimulated a level of public participation not seen since 2003.
Here we present some of the best of Harbour Times in 2015 – vital stories not to be missed and worth a re-read for generations to come. Share with your friends and colleagues.
Ripples of Occupy One Year On: Occupation, Umbrellas, and our Protest Future
Not so long ago in a place not so far away, an unprecedented tide of passionate protests captured the attention of both international observers and citizens at home. Christened the Umbrella Movement (the Movement), the 79 days of civil disobedience in the heart of Hong Kong last year forever changed the political landscape of this city. Disillusioned with the old establishment, many have sought fresh outlets to express their views, and in cases where no such outlets existed, they have fashioned new organisations with audacious messages and aggressive tactics.
Localism explained: The politicians, the philosophers, and the idealistic youth
For the first time, representatives from three prominent localist groups joined together, not on the street but instead at a Harbour Times Happy Hour, explaining the idea of localism to those who don’t have the word in their dictionaries.
DC Elections Explained: The Aftermath
The first post-Occupy District Council elections saw some huge names in politics slip up. It also saw the rise of young faces from all sides. Make no mistake, the pro-establishment still control the district councils, but their reign in the coming four years will likely be harder than the last. Harbour Times breaks it down.
Hong Kong Reform Voted Down as Pro-Est make historical blunder
After 20 months of debate, two public consultations, a controversial decision from Beijing, 79 days of occupying the streets— not to mention an alleged bomb plot— the Hong Kong Government’s reform package for electing the Chief Executive in 2017 was finally voted down in the Legislative Council on Thursday (June 18).
HK’s Wartime past still matters: Alternate histories
Not content with a China v Japan narrative for September 3, some have taken matters into their own hands. Their focus is on the Hong Kong liberation – not China’s resistance.
The plan is: No plan – The collapse of consensus-seeking politics
The pro-est lawmakers are striking back to take all key posts in LegCo committees/panels. There is not much the pan-dems can do other than look back to the ‘good old’ days and cry foul – or search for new allies.
Tectonic shift in Hong Kong’s power structure
There is a fundamental shift in power relations happening and the woes of Sir Donald Tsang and Mr Li Ka Shing tell the story.
