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Interview|Ten Years Looking Back Chen Zhiquan: Will not claim that the radicals participate in politics because the pandemic is not doing well enough

2020-09-29T23:15:10.700Z


The term of office of the Legislative Council has been extended for at least one year. The democrats are making a lot of noise due to the question of whether to stay or leave. The polls released yesterday (29th) show that they only advocate leaving or leaving. Among the many parliamentarians, the People's Power Chen Zhiquan (Manbi) was one of the few who stated that he would not stay in office, but he has always "retained one hand" against the main faction. Today (September 30) is the last day of Mango's term. A reporter from "Hong Kong 01" interviewed him earlier and talked about his eight-year parliamentary career and his ten-year career in politics. From the initial formation of the electorate force to the later people’s force, Chen Zhiquan stated clearly that his political career was not based on any calculation, but seeing the disappointing performance of the pan-democrats at the time, so he went into politics and participated in the election by chance. Looking back on his eight-year parliamentary career, he asked himself, "The parliamentary affairs have been done." Speaking of parliamentary protests, Chen Zhiquan stated that he would never label himself as a radical, because "radical" is a relative concept, which stems from the ineffectiveness of the democrats’ long-term resistance. He believes that people’s power is only "when appropriate, do what they think The most appropriate thing." As the first member of the Legislative Council to disclose homosexuality, Chen Zhiquan admitted that his biggest regret is that the rights and interests of sexual minorities are progressing very slowly, and even the legislation on discrimination against sexual orientation is far away. In the next year of "Farewell" to the council, he hopes to focus on operating an online platform and shoot more informative and valuable footage.


Political situation

Written by: Lin Jian

2020-09-30 07:00

Last update date: 2020-09-30 07:00

The term of office of the Legislative Council has been extended for at least one year. The democrats are making a lot of noise due to the question of whether to stay or leave. The polls released yesterday (29th) show that they only advocate leaving or leaving.

Among the many parliamentarians, the People's Power Chen Zhiquan (Manbi) was one of the few who stated that he would not stay in office, but he has always "retained one hand" against the main faction.

Today (September 30) is the last day of Mango's term. A reporter from "Hong Kong 01" interviewed him earlier and talked about his eight-year parliamentary career and his ten-year career in politics.

From the initial formation of the electorate force to the later people’s force, Chen Zhiquan stated clearly that his political career was not based on any calculation, but seeing the disappointing performance of the pan-democrats at the time, so he went into politics and participated in the election by chance.

Looking back on his eight-year parliamentary career, he asked himself, "The internal affairs of the parliament have been done."

Speaking of parliamentary protests, Chen Zhiquan stated that he would never label himself as a radical, because "radical" is a relative concept, which stems from the ineffectiveness of the democrats’ long-term resistance. He believes that people’s power is only "when appropriate, do what they think The most appropriate thing."

As the first member of the Legislative Council to disclose homosexuality, Chen Zhiquan admitted that his biggest regret is that the rights and interests of sexual minorities are progressing very slowly, and even the legislation on discrimination based on sexual orientation is nowhere in sight.

In the next year of "Farewell" to the council, he hopes to focus on operating an online platform and shoot more informative and valuable clips.

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I just wanted to take a "democratic ride" in 2010 and create "voter power" as a starting point

At the time of the visit, Chen Zhiquan was still packing books and clutter in the office. The room was quite messy, and there were still many items left unpacked. Probably this is also a portrayal of Hong Kong's political situation in recent years. Everything came too quickly and suddenly, which made people caught off guard. .

Chen Zhiquan mentioned that participation in politics is actually a very "sudden" matter. He said that he was not originally politically active, and would only participate in the June 4th party and July 1st parade. He felt that it would be good to take a "democratic ride". Others promote reforms. Sit back and enjoy it yourself.

The starting point of slowness in the political arena stems from dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s vote in favor of the 2010 political reform plan. In September of the same year, it created a "voter force" with a group of friendly people, determined to attack the Democratic Party in the district council election the following year (deliberately with the Democratic Party) The district election was aimed at the latter losing the election) because he felt that the Pan-Democratic Party was not doing well at the time, and quite a few voters were disappointed that the Democratic Party had turned to support political reform.

He also remembered that the slogan "Ticket Debt Repayment" came up by himself: "Party members asked at the time what layout was used for the background behind the press conference. I thought that the big ear hole would use spray paint to spray "Debt Repayment" when collecting debts. This is a big character, so we also learned to use "ticket debt to pay", and then everyone will use it." He pointed out that the people's power against the Democratic Party at that time would definitely be criticized today, but stood on the same day. In the time and space, a considerable number of voters believe that violating the original election promise is more "evil" than the establishment.

"You criticize them (the Democratic Party) for only starting twice and ending twice, without consequences. They will not change. The connotation of a democratic system is "you are dissatisfied with him, you have to change people", but if there is no choice, ( Democrats) will continue (sink).”

Everyone knows about the future development: the power of voters and the people like Huang Yumin and Chen Weiye, who were split from the community, merged, and the People’s Power was established in 2011 with the aim of attacking the Democratic Party at the end of the same year.

In the Legislative Council election the following year, the manpower won 3 seats, including Chen Zhiquan, but then Huang Yumin withdrew from the manpower and became one of the local "wasteland bulls". After 2016, only Chen Zhiquan was left in the parliament.

At the door of Manbi's office, there is a leaflet for the 2012 Legislative Council election.

(Photo by Lin Jian)

Talking about the radicals: do not claim to be radical and only do "reasonable" things

During the period when Man Bi was in charge, the reporter noticed a leaflet at the door of the office: Eight years ago, Chen Zhiquan and Yuan Miming were elected to elect New Territories East. At that time, People Power was still regarded as the most "radical" political group.

On both sides of the poster, there were Huang Yumin and Chen Weiye, two legislators of the People's Power at the time.

If you understand the history of changes in the democrats, you may feel embarrassed.

Speaking of manpower, Chen Zhiquan said frankly that many people think that people’s power is equivalent to radicalism, but individuals have never regarded themselves as radicals: "The radicals are a relative problem. In the past, the traditional pan-people were moderates. We were relatively good at parliamentary protests, so we were called. Be a radical; in the past, swear words in the parliament were regarded as radicals. Now (speaking swear words) is no longer news. But if you ask me, we also think that our actions are not radical. I just think it is "reasonable" and wait for death. It is unreasonable, so I have to come out and do what is most suitable at the moment." He also recalled: "Some friends describe me as "the scholar in the Valley of the Evil"." That is to say in the radical political group , Playing a more gentle role, will not be evil.

Once known as "the scholar in the Valley of the Evil"

Man Bi said that how members fight in Parliament has always depended on the needs and themes of the moment. Just as Huang Yumin threw bananas at the then Chief Executive Donald Tsang in the Legislative Council in 2008, because he was fighting for an increase in the censorship-free fruit grant. "Jiajiao" has since become the starting point of parliamentary resistance.

Chen Zhiquan believes that no one wants to fight in the first place, but compared to the long-term struggle of traditional democrats, they can only say "democracy's darkest day" after losing the vote. Some actions called "radical" are in politics. It is impossible to exclude in reality.

"You can handle complaints, and you don't need to be brave; peaceful demonstrations are useful, how can there be conflicts? This is an interactive process, and the government is the one who holds the lead."

Since the emergence of the local faction after the Umbrella Movement, the status of the "most radical protester" has been replaced by passionate citizens and later local democratic front-line parties. As a radical faction in the past, the people's power was once the spectrum blurred.

Chen Zhiquan said frankly that with the growing political tearing, the fierce resistance that only a few people could do before has become the majority of the democrats, and some people even "fight up" to highlight their uniqueness, but he will not deliberately participate in these comparisons. "Maybe you used to be the only one who raised the cloth, but some people would think that now other people can do these things. If there is no difference between you and the big party, then I can vote for the big party instead of you. But This is never what I think. I don’t have much political calculations in this area. I am a "Lone Ranger" and do what I think is right."

Chen Zhiquan and others established the electorate force on September 20, 2010, which became the starting point of their political career.

(Chen Zhiquan fb page picture)

Responding to fierce resistance: self-drawing the red line is the most terrible

The legislative amendment turmoil last year changed the face of Hong Kong society as a whole, and even the Legislative Council Building itself became a target of violence.

Chen Zhiquan said that he has never asked others to use violence, but he believes that "violence" is just appearance, and the real problem lies in the failure of rational communication.

"I still have that point of view. If you can do it well, where is courage? Just like (when Lan Si hits someone), if it is useful to call the police, how can someone take huge legal risks "privately"?" He believes that many things are mutual For the sake of cause and effect, a slap is silent, and unilaterally condemns violence in a camp. The actual meaning is zero.

In any case, the objective result of the fierce resistance was that although the government successfully forced the government to withdraw the amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, it resulted in tougher force suppression and Beijing's direct implementation of the "Hong Kong National Security Law."

Regarding this, do you feel that the demonstrators acted excessively last year, or that you should be more persuasive?

Chen Zhiquan responded that it is meaningless to look back "If what happened today, it will not be what today", because no one knows where the so-called "red line" is. From the perspective of authoritarian governance, anything can be. The red line, but if you are afraid of "crossing the line" in everything, then you don’t have to do anything. The most terrifying red line is the line drawn in everyone’s mind: "This is a game relationship. If you keep guessing the red line, then All hiding here, dare not surpass anything, this is white terror, red terror. In fact, the most effective governance is not to establish (National Security) law, but you are very obedient, because you are afraid of "irritating" the other party and do better than the law. Get more, do it more securely, and be more conservative. This kind of thinking (fear that resistance will lead to repression) will make you not do it and fear it. I was not cruel enough or decisive enough before, and I didn’t think it’s good if I clicked more once. Not cruel enough. Other congressmen will also have this kind of contradiction in their hearts, whether to do the best, or to leave their affection. But if you do not do the best, they (the establishment, Beijing) will become more and more excessive.” He It pointed out that if the responsibility for "more severe penalties" is attributed to those who resisted after being oppressed, this is to blame the victims.

Asked the council’s performance of “satisfying homework” and sighed that some members may “not try their best”

After serving two terms as a member of Parliament, Man must comment on his work performance as "worthy of himself and the voters."

In his self-evaluation, his performance in attendance, amendments, speeches, etc. is better than that of other members, and his "fighting heart" is also sufficient.

Chen Zhiquan said to himself that he is not the smartest person in the parliament, but he is more attentive than many democrats, willing to learn and test, and willing to spend time delving into the rules of procedure: "The feeling in the past eight years is that I don’t Counted as smart people, there are other congressmen who should be smarter than me. They have professional knowledge and experience. Some have been in politics since childhood. But after I sat down, I realized: Hey, that’s not true. You are obviously smarter and more experienced than me, but Why are you not doing as well as me? Either you haven't tried your best, or you are "slippery" (the screw cannot be tightened after it is deformed), and without the momentum, you feel you have to do it, but you can't lose. "

Therefore, Chen Zhiquan will use four words to describe the work of parliament: rich and thrifty by others.

It is entirely a matter of personal choice for members to invest their efforts in the parliament.

"If you appear in a legislative council meeting for one second, you are considered to be present. If you join eighteen committees or four, no one forces you, or no one pays attention to you. Your evaluation, popularity, support, and votes , It may not have a great impact, it is just an explanation to myself. For eight years, if you ask me how the score sheet is, I think it is worthy of myself and the voters. Everyone said that the Parliament is still very valuable, of course it is Yes, but whether these people do what they want to do (parliamentary struggle) is not about the results, but about the effort. When I asked whether the 90% attendance rate could be ensured, every democrat would ask if this question I can’t answer, how can I tell others about parliamentary resistance? The first condition for parliamentary resistance is that you have to be in the parliament before the parliamentary resistance. The attendance rate is only 70%, so how can the parliamentary resistance?” However, Chen Zhiquan also Acknowledge that I have spent a lot of time in the parliament and that I have not done enough in district work. I need to improve in the future.

At the time of the visit, Slow must be in charge of the office.

(Photo by Liang Pengwei)

Looking forward to running an online platform in the coming year and spreading it to future generations

Chen Zhiquan decided not to stay, and the outside world is concerned about his work in the next year.

He said frankly that there is no detailed plan at the moment, but in general there are three principles: 1. Don't let Hong Kong people give up; 2. Don't let the light yellow people go to the blue camp; 3. The international community continues to pay attention to Hong Kong.

Initially, he will continue to upload clips on the online platform, monitor the operation of the council, and provide some intellectual content, such as introducing the use of the rules of procedure, so that people who are interested in running for election in the future will have more reference; in the long run, he wants to do more Further introduction of cultural knowledge, such as "A Dream of Red Mansions", guide reading of other movies, etc.

He admits: "The current affairs commentary today will definitely have a higher market value in real time. But in addition, I also want to make some content with circulating value, not necessarily rigid political content, which can reach more audiences. "

At the time of the interview, the results of the poll by the Democrats had not yet been released.

Chen Zhiquan mentioned that if more than a dozen members of the democrats leave the parliament, the preliminary plan is to form a political platform similar to the "New People's Front" with the former members of the democrats and the first-election informants. Transfer from inside to outside parliament.

"People who do parliamentary news can't (report) one-way (reporting). After reporting a policy every day, they have to find people on this political platform to balance their expressions." The democrats finally decided to stay in office. Chen Zhiquan added when inquired, he, Zhu Kaidi and Chen Shuzhuang There are only three people, and the strength is very limited. The specific work will be updated later.

Chen Zhiquan mentioned that the vice chairman of the People’s Forces and "Quabi" Tan Dezhi was recently arrested by the police on suspicion of "sedition" and has been returned to the present. This has had a certain impact on his work: "Quabi is the highest among the people's power. Yes, without him, the mobility will be greatly reduced. So at the level of the people's power, I have to pay more attention." He said that the chairman of the people's power is likely to be taken over by the next term. After Bibe was arrested, Man Bi had more party affairs to take care of, and he also needed to temporarily attend community "health talks" on behalf of the other party, and his workload increased.

He also confessed that it does not matter whether he is re-elected or not. He only expects to do one more term until 2024. Instead, his biggest wish is that Tan Dezhi is elected.

But Manbi admits that one year is actually very short. Strictly speaking, he is only a "goodbye" parliament. In March and April next year, the entire political circle will re-enter the state of elections, regardless of whether he is running or not. Whether you can enter the gate or not, it is a completely new political situation.

After leaving the poll, the democrats decided to stay.

(Photo by Lu Yiming)

The most memorable "23 Internet Articles" Regrets that gay rights have not broken through

When asked about the most memorable battle in a member's career, Chen Zhiquan answered without hesitation that he opposed the "Copyright (Amendment) Bill 2014" commonly known as "Article 23 on the Internet."

He pointed out that at the beginning, he found it difficult to stop, but the whole process went from pushing, brewing, and discussing the division of labor to the final success. He described it as a process of "from impossible to possible", and even considered it a part of the MP’s career. "Masterpiece".

However, Manbi mentioned that in recent years, the government has increasingly disrespected the Legislative Council, especially the opinions of the democrats. The votes are enough. This has led to the people's distrust of the Parliament.

Therefore, during the anti-New Territories Northeast Development Appropriation period in 2014, some establishments expressed their fear of demonstrators rushing into the Legislative Council. He told the other party that the democrats were also worried about security, because the demonstrators did not trust the entire parliament and might ignore democracy. The faction is the establishment faction.

As for the biggest regret of the MP’s career, there has been no breakthrough in the rights of sexual minorities, and even the legislation on discrimination against sexual orientation has not been carried out.

Chen Zhiquan said that this legislative council is the only one who is fighting alone. The establishment has the "four heavenly kings" Zhou Haoding, Leung Meifen, Ho Junyao, and Shao Jiahui who take turns to oppose; other members of the democratic camp do not necessarily spend a lot of effort even if they support it conceptually. To study and promote, "There are too many problems in Hong Kong in recent years, and there is little room for attention on sexual niche issues." The government also laments its slowness. It often has to wait for a judicial review case to lose before being forced to move forward. Small steps.

Finally, the slow must send a message to the people of Hong Kong, don’t give up in the big era: "Although we may not win in a short time, as long as we don’t admit defeat, we still have a chance to win. Don’t give up, don’t admit defeat, and continue to be within your own abilities. Within the risks and consequences you can take, take one more step.”

(Hong Kong 01 drawing)

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Source: hk1

All news articles on 2020-09-29

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