Tycoon Gordon Wu Condemns Violence, Hails Police

Tycoon Gordon Wu on Monday took out a full-page newspaper advertisement to condemn violence and the advocacy of Hong Kong independence, which he linked to protests in recent weeks that have stemmed from opposition to the contentious extradition bill.

In the advertisement, the chairman of Hopewell Holdings said he “solemnly says no to Hong Kong independence and violence, and pays tribute to those safeguarding rule of law – in particular the police”.

Wu who had taken part in a pro-government rally at Tamar Park on Saturday along with some other tycoons, said police had been restrained and professional in handling “arbitrary unrest” in recent weeks.

In the ad, he asked people to compare how policemen overseas – such as those in France or in the United States – treat protesters.

Wu warned that “if people continue to encourage violence and disregard the law, Hong Kong will go downhill and people will live in poverty, and it will be too late to regret”.

He added he believes prosecutors and the judiciary, as well as police, will undoubtedly do what they need to do in accordance with the law, to safeguard Hong Kong’s rule of law and social order.

The 83-year-old started his statement in the advertisement by saying Hong Kong has been part of China for more than 2,000 years since the Qin Dynasty.

He said China had been forced to give away Hong Kong and Kowloon during the Opium War, but took it back in 1997.

He said people’s standard of living improved thanks to the One Country, Two Systems principle, the rule of law, as well as China’s opening up policy.

Other local tycoons have also taken out newspaper advertisements to speak out against violence, including Li Ka-shing who is considered a doyen among them.