Electoral Overhaul Frees Up HK, Says Patriotic Zeman

The chairman of the Lan Kwai Fong Group, Allan Zeman, has welcomed the passage of the national security law and the overhaul of Hong Kong's electoral system, saying patriotism will free up the workings of the city.

"We must respect, not criticise because we are Chinese after all. That is something we cannot deny. Patriotism will help unblock the roadblocks that we've faced all these years. Let’s not forget the DNA of Hong Kong, the name Hong Kong is a strong brand in the world and will be stronger if it continues to integrate into the overall development of the nation," he said on RTHK's 'Letter to Hong Kong' programme.

Zeman's comments come after Legco approved sweeping changes to the way Hong Kong chooses its lawmakers and the Chief Executive. They include a vetting process which is designed to block candidates who are not considered patriots by Beijing.

Zeman said the changes meant the government would now be able to resolve some of the city's deep-seated problems.

"With the passing of the national security law, we finally started to have our peace back. I am also happy to see the change in the electoral system. The Hong Kong government will now be able to speed up solving those deep-seated, acute problems, such as the housing issue and land shortage," he said.

Zeman also urged young people to have an open mind towards the Greater Bay Area (GBA), Beijing's integration plan for major cities in Guangdong.

"I urge all the young people to look at things with different eyes and see things other people do not see. I always look at things as 'not what they are, but what they could be.' The GBA shows tremendous promise. Last year, the gross domestic product in the area reached US$1.65 trillion. By 2030, it is likely to have 80 million people and the GDP could grow to US$3.5 trillion," he said.

Zeman described the area as the solution to Hong Kong staying competitive as an innovation and financial powerhouse, with the GBA rivalling or surpassing Silicon Valley in the US and the Tokyo Bay Area in Japan.