[Rethinking the District Council. Four] Democratic Party Ye Zijie: Improving people's livelihood should not divide political views｜01 Weekly

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Written by: Liu Yanwen

2021-04-27 17:45

Last update date: 2021-04-27 17:45

After the anti-amendment turmoil in 2019, the central government introduced the blockbuster "Hong Kong District National Security Law", and the SAR government therefore proposed the "Public Service (Participation and Appointment) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2021", which requires district councilors to Public officials must swear an oath to uphold the Basic Law and allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

In Hong Kong, which is highly politicized, many people believe that this move is aimed at suppressing the democratized district councilors who took advantage of the anti-amendment law to make a complete comeback. Some even refused to take the oath to resign.

This is really thought-provoking. As a member who shoulders the burden of community governance, is it important for political expressions or for people's livelihood practices?

As for the SAR government, which has the "power of life and death," when it is in charge of the destiny of district board members, should it adopt a "one size fits all" political stance or should it be realistic to allow more "patriots" to participate in the work of community governance?

"Hong Kong 01" interviewed four district councillors with completely different political spectrums to see how they reflected on "community governance" after many political shocks.

Reflecting on Community Governance Series Report No. 5

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Democratic Party member of the Kwun Tong District, Ip Tsz-kit, started working in the district three years ago and finally stepped into the district council this term. "During the anti-regulation campaign, the people’s wish was to inform the outside world through votes. What the government did was not. It meets the expectations of the citizens. This vote reflects that the connection between the citizens and the government is very weak." But unlike other democratic district councilors, Ye Zijie did not put forward different political issues in the district council under the banner of "fighting for democracy." Instead, it focuses more on "improving the community."

He has certain expectations for the improvement of Lam Tin District, for example, he hopes to deal with the problem of aging facilities in the district. After working for more than a year, he believes that the District Council can indeed help him achieve his goals, but there is always a gap with expectations.

Although every resident has different expectations of district councilors, Ye Zijie personally puts more emphasis on improving the community.

(Data Picture/Photo by Gao Zhongming)

"The atmosphere between this term of the District Council and the government is different from that of the previous term, so (expectation) there is a little gap. We can do things on people's livelihood issues, but in the process of communicating with the government, it will involve whether the government is willing or not. Communicate with you.” Ye Zijie pointed out that if government departments are willing to communicate, the process will be smoother. For example, the government decided to temporarily close a footpath in the Lantian area for hillside works. After he told the government department that this would cause inconvenience to residents, the authorities did make adjustments. Plan.

Ye Zijie believes that the work of district councillors is more extensive and depends on the needs of residents. "Community affairs, even small private affairs, such as couples quarreling, would look for us. Once a mother-in-law’s mobile phone dropped under the bed and also looked for us, so I I don’t think my role is limited.” Although every resident has different expectations, he personally focuses on improving the community. For example, he organized an event to find black spots for the elderly and attracted many residents to participate. After the point, the government is required to follow up.

The activities not only reflect the residents' community concern and mutual assistance, but also highlight that residents have certain requirements for the community. As a district councillor, you can't just let it go, and you must deal with community issues more pragmatically.

The Democratic Party announced earlier that it would prefer to take an oath in the district council, and Ye Zijie, a party member, is no exception.

(Data Picture/Photo by Yu Junliang)

Politics and people’s livelihood should be balanced

. It’s a good thing that people’s livelihood expectations can be met, but as a member of the Democratic Party, Ye Zijie will more or less have political expectations for district councils. Voting is the most direct way. I joined the Democratic Party in the hope of promoting democracy, and the district councils themselves can do this.” He believes that the district councils cannot be completely "depoliticized," even if they participate in the election. The candidate must also fill in the "Political Connection" column on the registration form. Since elections originally involve political struggles, it is difficult to completely remove political elements.

Some democratic district councilors will focus their attention on political propaganda, ignoring district work. Ye Zijie responded: "Every district councillor holding this position will have the idea behind it. Some people who are good at assisting the anti-revision movement may use This has become their motivation to run for the election, but I understand that some residents will feel that if they focus on this side, will they reduce their concerns about people’s livelihood? Maybe a balance should be struck.” He also pointed out that each district councilor only serves one. In the community, residents may expect the district councilors to help them deal with daily life issues.

Therefore, he believes that democratic members can increase their focus on people's livelihood work, "I hope that residents can understand the ability of the democrats from multiple angles."

The Democratic Party announced earlier that it would prefer to take an oath in the district council, and Ye Zijie, a party member, is no exception.

He believes that the oath or the principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong" has not hindered his work in the district council.

Regarding the issue of officials leaving the venue, Ye Zijie said that similar situations rarely occur in the Kwun Tong District Council, and only officials leave the venue when discussing "Lantau Tomorrow".

"Members raised certain issues in the district board, which means that the people are concerned. If officials leave the venue, they will feel disrespected." For example, in the "12 Hong Kong residents case," he said that many residents reported to the district after reading the newspaper. Members expressed their concerns. It is okay for them to help check the latest situation with government departments. As for whether there is a need for discussion in the district boards, the actual effect must be considered.

When asked whether the government had prejudice against the democrats, Ye Zijie finally said with a smile: "Actually, I also think so, but to improve people's livelihood, we should not divide political views." Ye Zijie focuses more on improving community work.

The above is excerpted from the 262th "Hong Kong 01" Weekly Report (April 26, 2021) "Rethinking Community Governance-What kind of district council does Hong Kong need".

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