SZETO WAH

Szeto Wah, better known as the 'Father of Democracy' in Hong Kong, lost his battle with cancer and passed away on the second day of the new year. I am a typical product of Hong Kong's colonial past, brought up without any political fibre, let alone passion. I have little time for many of the so called politicians in town these days, whose personal agendas are thinly veiled by the facade of dedication to public service. Szeto Wah was in a league of his own, and being so different, he was always above the frey. He stayed with his principles, he did not compromise, he refused to be 'bought' and since Tiananmun in 1989 he did not waver a single time on the strong position he took with the power-that-be in Beijing, while some of his colleagues at the legislature were falling over themselves just to 'get that nod from Grandpa up north'. How nauseating! We need many more of him in our little village if we were ever to retain our uniqueness. The sad thing is when one looks around, there is no Szeto Wah in sight, not even one with potential in the pan-democrat camp.

I thank you, Szeto Wah, for being you and for teaching all of us what being truthful to oneself means. I shall miss you, rest in peace!