HK business leaders: Occupy Movement damages economy, social order

Several Hong Kong business leaders have criticized the month-long Occupy Central Movement, saying the illegal movement has disrupted Hong Kong's social order and would cause long-term damage to the business environment of the Asian financial center.

Cheng Kar-shun, chairman of the New World Development and a Standing Committee member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), told local media that the fact the organizers of the Occupy Central Movement are sacrificing Hong Kong people's interests to pursue democracy indicated no sense of democracy.

Noting some protesting students' passion is being used, he urged the students to see strait the reality and withdraw from the occupied districts.

Rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong, and the illegal movement will ruin it, he said, adding that he could not understand why some jurisprudents would deliberately break the law by instigating other people to participate in the illegal activity.

Li Ka-shing, chair of the Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited, has urged the protesters to go back home. He said in a statement that if Hong Kong's rule of law breaks down, it would be the "greatest sorrow" for the region.

"I urge everyone not to be agitated and not to let today's passion become tomorrow's regrets," he said.

Another real estate tycoon, Lee Shau-kee, chairman of Henderson Land Development, criticized the movement is an act of destruction that not only posed adverse impact on Hong Kong's economy, finance and social prosperity but also harmed its international reputation.

Woo Kwong-ching, whose businesses range from cable TV to the Star Ferry, said as the illegal movement has continued for quite a few days, Hong Kong citizen's freedom of speech under the "one country, two systems" framework has been seen by the world. But endless illegal occupation of roads can not be allowed, he said.

He welcomed the dialogue between the local Federation of Students and the government, but warned that if the students continue to prevent the government from doing what it should do, the result would be disastrous.

Chairman of K. Wah Group Lui Che-woo said he has always been against the movement because it harms Hong Kong's economy. He also appealed that everyone should oppose the movement, or Hong Kong's economic prosperity would be influenced badly.

Robin Chan, chairman of Asia Financial Holdings Ltd, said the movement has lasted for quite a long time, and caused increasing negative impacts on traffic and other business in Hong Kong as well as the region's image as an international financial center.

He stressed it is time to stop before going too far, saying, "I have been living in Hong Kong for decades. I hope, for the future of Hong Kong as a blessed land, the students can show sincerity and hold talks with the government in a peaceful and rational way. "

Ho Tsu-kwok, chairman of the Sing Tao News Corporation Limited and a member of the CPPCC Standing Committee, said the protesters of the illegal movement have seriously ruined the spirit of rule of law that Hong Kong has been proud of all long and the selfish activities have caused "internal injury" in the local community.

Ho criticized the act of protesters who occupied some of the major roads in Hong Kong under the flag of "peaceful occupation" is by no means peaceful. He hoped the students could pursue democracy in a proper way rather than being used easily to challenge the spirit of rule of law. "Otherwise Hong Kong will suffer a disastrous loss."

Chairman of Hang Lung Group Ltd. Ronnie Chan said the protesters are seeking their personal good by means of the illegal movement and in disregard of the Basic Law.

Kuok Hock Nien, known for his sugar refineries in Asia, participated in the signature campaign to oppose the Occupy Central Movement with his family.

Hong Kong's five major chambers of commerce have issued a joint statement, denouncing the illegal movement and urging protesters to leave the roads they have occupied as soon as possible.

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, and the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association said in the statement that the illegal movement is on the verge of being out of control and they support the police to maintain public order according to law and to restore Hong Kong's stability and prosperity as quickly as possible.

Irons Sze, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, said the adverse impact of the movement on the Hong Kong economy has emerged or even has been expanding. If the economy becomes depressed with a rising jobless rate, it is the Hong Kong citizens who will have to pay.

"The longer the movement lasts, the greater the damage will do to Hong Kong," Sze said, adding that social division will become inevitable if the confrontation persists, which will bring far- reaching adverse impacts to Hong Kong.

A greater number of people from the local business circle have also aired their voice against the illegal movement.