Ethnic Minorities Say Protests Have Built Bridges

Members of ethnic minorities say cooperation with protesters in recent weeks has helped them build stronger ties with their fellow Hongkongers and strengthened links between their communities.

The latest Citizens' Press Conference was devoted to ethnic minorities, after protesters and members of minority communities worked together to patrol outside Chungking Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui last Sunday.

There were fears that the building, along with the nearby Kowloon Mosque, would be targeted by protesters angered at a violent attack on Civil Human Rights Front convenor Jimmy Sham. The men responsible for the assault were identified as South Asian.

Several speakers told the press conference that recent events had offered an opportunity for their fellow Hongkongers to learn more about ethnic minorities in the SAR.

Vivek Mahbubani, a Hong Kong-born comedian from an Indian background, said: "We want to stand in solidarity with all other Hongkongers just like we did last Sunday.

"Hong Kong is an international city because it is made up of so many different people. Having lived here my whole life I consider myself a Hongkonger, because I believe this title isn't defined by race, religion or skin colour. It is defined by a spirit and a set of values that we live by.

"That is why I also feel that an an ethnic minority, it is my duty to help my community better understand the [protest] movement. I help explain and translate things for those who cannot read Chinese.

"I sometimes take overseas visitors around Hong Kong to let them see what's going on with their own eyes."