Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

People waiting to hear the scrapping of hotel quarantine

Lots of things happening in Hong Kong -- the latest is that Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will finally announce the end of mandatory hotel quarantines, and that people self-monitor for three days at home. 

This after over two and a half years of severe quarantines that was at three weeks for the longest time, then down to one week until August 12 when it was changed to three days in hotel quarantine and four at home.

The announcement comes after mounting calls from the business sector who have seen finance types flee to Singapore, retail and hospitality suffering and in many cases shutter, while sports events have been cancelled or postponed because the government is too slow to give the green light.

Three weeks, then one week, then three days...

Interestingly Beijing has given its blessing for Hong Kong to live with Covid-19, perhaps seeing it as a test case? Or conveniently saying it's "one country, two systems"? 

Regardless it's a welcome sign for everyone in Hong Kong, which may prompt many to travel for the first time in years (if they can afford it), or even return?

Another sigh of relief for journalist Ronson Chan, chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association who was granted bail after pleading not guilty to obstructing police officers and an alternative charge of obstructing other person lawfully engaged in public duty.

This development comes a week before he is to go to Oxford University for a six-month fellowship.

Chan was arrested on September 7 while on his way to report on a story. Two officers allegedly asked to see his Hong Kong ID many times and Chan allegedly refused, asking to see their ID, which is allowed by law. The officers claimed he was "uncooperative" and arrested him.

On Thursday Chan was granted bail and no travel restrictions were imposed; he had to pay HK$10,000 bail and report his future UK address and phone number to the police in Hong Kong.

Chan can go to Oxford University next week

Conveniently his trial is set for May 2023, a month after he is expected to return from the UK.

Outside the court Chan observed it was ironic that the Hong Kong government was holding an event for journalists at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

"Today, at this very moment, some journalists are holding a reception celebrating National Day, while the chairperson of the Hong Kong Journalists Association had to appear in court. I guess this reflects the contrast we've seen in the news industry in Hong Kong now," the veteran journalist said.

What is is referring to is Chief Executive Lee instructing journalists how to do their jobs post-NSL.

While saying journalists should report the news in an "objective, fair and impartial manner", they should also remember they are also Hong Kong residents and therefore are "not above the law".

"I hope that all members of the press will be able to distinguish right from wrong and stay away from these camouflaged media organisations and bad apples who undermine press freedom," he said, referring to groups Lee claimed did illegal things in the name of journalism.

Lee warns of "camouflaged media organisations"

Who is he referring to here? Or is the "bad apples" a hint?

Lee urged those in the media to "tell the Hong Kong stories well".

"[The industry should] unite and tell the world the latest developments and correct information of Hong Kong," he said.

But this is what Hong Kong media have been doing all along. They are one of the institutions to make the government accountable, particularly now that the legislature is completely stacked with pro-Beijing lawmakers now.

However, it seems Lee is only interested in having media continue to tow the government line...