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| Asia Pacific Media Network :: HONG KONG: Li Ka-shing: freedom better than before 1997 |
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Li Ka-shing said yesterday freedom of speech and politics in Hong Kong were better now than before the handover and anyone who thought otherwise was being too sensitive
South China Morning Post
Friday, May 21, 2004
By Joseph Lo
Li Ka-shing said yesterday freedom of speech and politics in Hong Kong were better now than before the handover and anyone who thought otherwise was being too sensitive.
Speaking after his Cheung Kong group of companies' annual shareholder meetings, the tycoon spoke of his optimism for the city's future and of his belief that it was not becoming a more divided place.
He was responding to questions about whether the departure of three radio political commentators in as many weeks meant that freedom of speech and political opinion were under threat.
"At least now [in Hong Kong] you can criticise whatever you like. But, of course, if people do not agree with you, they do not have to," he said.
Mr Li said the radio hosts may have been too sensitive in feeling that they were at risk of being harmed because of their political commentaries.
"My personal opinion is that Hong Kong people enjoy more freedom, as well as freedom of speech, than they did before 1997. With regard to politics, it is the same - there is more freedom now than before 1997," he said.
"The radio hosts may have their own opinions; they may be more sensitive. Some [of the] radio hosts are my friends, so I cannot speak on their behalf. But I am confident about Hong Kong's future."
Mr Li denied that Hong Kong society was becoming more divided. "I ... personally feel that the gaps are not that big. In a free society, there are bound to be people [with] different views," he said.
"Once there is understanding, the gaps will become smaller. But, since 1997, we have been taking steps towards democracy."
Mr Li said last August that he took pride in the July 1 protest and liked to invest in stable and democratic economies. But in March he warned against holding direct elections in 2007, saying Hong Kong could not afford instability.
Date Posted: 5/21/2004
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