Hong Kong did not have a plan for the morning after Typhoon Mangkhut. Blame the government
Albert Cheng says government officials have again proved that they live in an ivory tower. Carrie Lam’s administration failed to consider what the Monday morning after the super typhoon would be like for the thousands of Hongkongers facing long commutes
It is solid proof that the government lives in an ivory tower and is incapable of addressing Hong Kong people’s pressing needs. This has sparked great public outrage and people are losing their trust in the government further.
In the aftermath, Lam failed to alleviate people’s difficulties. If the government wants to turn the tide of public opinion, it should address the cause of the problem.
As soon as Mangkhut landed, frontline staff spared no effort day and night in dealing with the catastrophe. Serious casualties were avoided and, for this, the government’s hard work was commendable.
Watch: Typhoon Mangkhut rips through Hong Kong
Due to the government’s insensitivity and inflexibility, as work resumed on Monday, train stations were packed with commuters and bus stops were overwhelmed with endless queues. As the complaints emerged, Ronny Tong Ka-wah, who sits on the Executive Council, said that the situation did not qualify as an emergency and that the city’s status as an international financial centre could not be compromised.
On Tuesday, Lam said she was deeply concerned about the Hong Kong people’s frustration and anger, and it was understandable for them to vent their anger on the chief executive. She added that it would have been irresponsible to declare a day off without a legal basis.
However, desperate times call for desperate measures. Even though the Emergency Regulations Ordinance does not apply to the aftermath of the typhoon, the government should have handled the situation more tactfully.
The administration failed to mobilise policemen, auxiliary police officers and firefighters, as well as the Civil Aid Service and Auxiliary Medical Service to assist in the relief efforts. The People’s Liberation Army was not involved in the clean-up; Lam has clearly missed a golden opportunity to enhance the image of the national army.
Watch: Typhoon Mangkhut brings transport chaos to Hong Kong
The transport chaos underlined the lack of protection for workers in an emergency. The administration should push for more comprehensive labour legislation, which could fully safeguard the rights and needs of Hongkongers should the same situation arise again.
Apart from transport arrangements, insurance is another piece of the puzzle. Employees of small companies are often required to go to work on their own. Even if the employers or employees are willing to pay extra for a taxi or other private transport, the drivers will probably refuse to take passengers due to the lack of extreme-weather insurance.
In a Hong Kong where people’s political rights are diminishing, the government should at least work harder at the betterment of labour rights and welfare. This is the first step for Lam’s government to win over people’s hearts and minds.
Albert Cheng King-hon is a political commentator. [email protected]