On July 1st, Leung Chun-Ying sworn in as Hong Kong's new chief executive. At the same time, mass protest are happening on the street. Usually when a new leader takes office they enjoy some honeymoon period. With Leung, people call on him to step down on day 1. It is a slap in the face and a hint of the mistrust and friction to come.

Since Leung is elected by the Beijing backed electoral group, he has little public support. Even the electoral group are divided. He was elected only because there are no other choice deem acceptable. As a result, Leung starts his term with the lowest public approval rating in history.

When ask about the much awaited transition to direction election, Leung remains evasive. It is the same stalling tactic that people have been hearing in the past 15 years. Discontent is mounting in Hong Kong. Change has to come.

2012.07.03 comments