AYF (Asia Pacific Youth Development Foundation)

26 July 2019

The Honourable Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, GBM, CBS
Chief Executive
Office of the Chief Executive
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
People’s Republic of China
Tamar
Hong Kong

 

Open Letter to the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam

Dear Mrs Lam,

As a group of passionate local youth striving to facilitate dialogue and bring about positive changes to our community, we are truly disheartened by the events which happened over the course of the past month surrounding the proposed Amendments on Fugitive Offenders Ordinance. The chain of events, especially the violent attacks in Yuen Long on 21 July, has been shocking to us all.

The Asia Pacific Youth Development Foundation (AYF) believes that peace and prosperity cannot be built upon exclusivism, absolutism, and intolerance. It is pivotal for the leader of our city to step forward, speak for the people, and protect the well-being of citizens. To that end, we suggest the government to consider:

1) withdrawing formally the proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance;

2) establishing an independent Commission of Inquiry to look into the causes of recent violent incidents and recommend ways forward; and

3) broadening the scope of the government’s consultation effort to incorporate the views of the youth during policy formulation and decision.

Dialogue is always preferred over monologue. The AYF is committed to foster communication between people holding different opinions. Trust between the government and the younger generation should be rebuilt as quickly as possible, and we ask you sincerely to listen to young people with an open mind and embrace our differences.

For the love we all have for Hong Kong, we wish you could share with us your thoughts on our suggestions soon.

Regards,
Asia Pacific Youth Development Foundation