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神仍然掌管 In God’s Hands

神仍然掌管In God’s Hands

周偉文

經過三個多月,香港已經走上一條不歸路。

由提出反送中條例開始,政府處理的方式,明確地表明了一國兩制已名存實亡。從第一屆特首董建華受到國家的尊重,見到中央政府避免直接干預香港施政;到曾蔭權仍有一定影響力,反映他有一定民意,去與中央討價還價;發展到梁振英時代香港的發展,直接要與中國掛鉤;到今天林鄭月娥政府,要靠警察協助管治,而社會仍陷在極度混亂之中。港人深知有一天,一國一制會臨到香港,港人會如何面對,相信是在海外華人所關注的。

從中國大陸出來的朋友,多強調香港是中國一部份,堅持反對港獨,認為香港人貪得無厭,應受到懲罰。這樣的想法,根源於中國是一個不重視個人自由的國家,大多數人被灌輸著中共建國取得的功績,把中國從落後、貧困、受人欺凌,發展到今天富起來及強起來。不過,真正熟讀歷史的人,都知道中國不是直接從49年的建國,立刻進到今天的富強,而是經過數十年迂迴曲折的痛苦與艱難,而且今天不少人仍是在壓制、貪腐、恐懼及貧窮中生活。中國如何能成為一個有自由、公平、人權、及真正富強的國家,是未來數代國家領導人最大的挑戰。香港能否在這過程,成為中國的幫助,今天是一個轉折點。

港人在84年的《中英聯合聲明》中,曾經被答應會有更多的民主和自治,不過這一切都沒有實現。更有甚的,政府只為著商家及少數特權者服務,令到大部港人生活愈加困難,社會變得極端貧富懸殊,政府亦得不到港人的信任及支持,變成今天的抗爭。抗爭從最初的和平,演變成今天政府與巿民互相使用暴力、破壞及仇恨。就算今天失控情況能回復,看來香港已經不再一樣,無法回到昔日的光輝。從香港來的朋友,相信心中都會感到難過。支持政府的,會埋怨抗爭者把香港陷在萬劫不復之中。同情抗爭者的,會為政府的不負責任及無能而憤慨,卻無法幫上甚麼忙。

歷史真的是一條不歸路嗎?我相信那創造天地的神,同時也是那位掌管歷史的神。人類的歷史告訴我們,在最黑暗的時期,在看似沒有任何盼望的時候,在真的無路可走的情況,神仍然掌管。

 

Over these three months, Hong Kong has gone down a way of no return.

Right from the way that the government has been handling the extradition bill, the ‘one country two systems’ has gone. It started with the first Chief Executive Tung Kin-wah where the Chinese government respectfully did not intervene the governance of Hong Kong; the next CE Donald Tsang  was still relating Hong Kong public opinion to the Chinese government; then CY Leung pegged Hong Kong development to China; and lastly where Carrie Lam can only rely on the Police in coping with the prevailing social turmoil. Not before long all overseas Chinese would be seeing the ‘one country one system’ in Hong Kong.

People from China emphasise Hong Kong is part of China and any intention of flighting for independence is not practical and should deserve reprimand.  They came from a country where freedom has been a luxury and they have been long fed with the achievement of the Communist government where people have been saved from poverty and repression. The actual history was China did not turn strong right from the new government in 1949 but via a prolong period of suffering. Even to date many are still living under suppression and corruption, in fear and poverty. It will still be a great challenge for a few more generations of national leaders to make China a nation with freedom, justice, human right and dignity. Today’s history could be a turning point for whether Hong Kong can still play a part in this process.

Hong Kong was promised by the 1984 Sino British Joint Declaration for more democracy and self-governance; but this did not come true. Worst still is the uneven distribution of social wealth caused by the preferential treatment to the privileged business sector has caused greater hardship on the majority public. The loss of public trust and support has entailed such protests against the government. Starting from peaceful rally, the protests have turned nasty and violent.  Even if the chaos could be calmed down, Hong Kong would not be the same as before. Anyone originated from Hong Kong would feel sad about it. Those who support the government would blame the protestors for ruining the society. Those who pity the protestors would be angry with the irresponsible and incompetent government.

Is history really a path of no return? I believe our Creator God is in charge of history. History tells that in desperate and hopeless dark times, God is still in control.

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