National identity begins at birth

Chief Executive-designate Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who will officially take office on July 1, discussed what the fifth-term special administrative region government would work on in the next five years in a recent interview. Among key objectives the SAR government will try to achieve is upgrading the education system. This is with particular attention to raising awareness of national identity in children born in Hong Kong at an early age - even when they are babies.

National identity is a very real issue in Hong Kong because some ill-motivated political groups have been publicly claiming in recent years that Hong Kong is not part of China. They have not only managed to bring their separatist campaign into a few local schools but also brainwashed some students with outrageous ideas such as Hong Kong can be turned into an independent political entity - even with its own armed forces. Some of these young people have committed illegal acts in the name of "Hong Kong independence" or "self-determination" and have been found guilty in court.

As such it is absolutely necessary for parents and schools as well as the SAR government to begin teaching children about their birthplace or permanent residence - Hong Kong as a part of China - as soon as they start learning to speak the local language. It is a common practice in most if not all countries around the world. This is why no one should feel uncomfortable giving their children national identity awareness as well as giving them food.

As Lam explained in the interview, Hong Kong's future development very much depends on its involvement in the nation's continuous all-round development. This means Hong Kong people must embrace their national identity and be part of Hong Kong's future development as a Chinese territory - with the rest of the nation. They can go elsewhere and become foreign nationals but they must follow Hong Kong laws as long as they live here. It is the next-term SAR government's responsibility to ensure all Hong Kong residents respect relevant laws, especially the Basic Law. Their rights will be protected but they must respect the rights of other people as well.

No one can or has the right to change Hong Kong's constitutional status. Nor can any individual or organization deny other people's birth rights without their explicit consent. Parents are obliged to ensure their children's well-being. Schools are required by law to educate students to become good citizens after graduation - citizens of the HKSAR of the People's Republic of China.

(HK Edition 06/21/2017 page8)