1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 511 First Move

At the beginning of the new year, two major events occurred in Hong Kong.

The first event was the passing of Li Ka-shing's wife, Li Zhuang Yueming, at the age of 56. People from all walks of life, Hong Kong government officials, and Shantou residents paid their respects.

The second matter was that after Zhai Yuansheng was promoted to a legislator, another hearing was held in the Legislative Council, requiring Commissioner of Police Li Junxia to attend and hold accountable those responsible for crime and security issues in Hong Kong.

Although Councilor Zhai was shot at by gunmen at his official residence in Deep Water Bay,

However, this hearing is by no means a matter of settling personal scores, but rather a matter of concern from the perspective of the public regarding the increasingly serious public security situation in Hong Kong in recent years.

"The police force claims to have worked very hard to combat crime over the past three months, but as of last year, Hong Kong's crime rate had reached 1412 cases per 10 people, an increase of more than 7% compared to 1988. There were more than 30 cases of robbery involving firearms or suspected firearms, an increase of more than 200% compared to 1988. Given this alarming increase, the probability of loss of life in the future is bound to be even greater. Therefore, this bureau believes that Hong Kong should no longer use the slogan of being the safest city in Asia for publicity. The Financial Secretary needs to reduce the publicity budget for the police force and use the funds to purchase new equipment for police officers to improve their professional capabilities..."

He stabbed Li Junxia, ​​the police commissioner, in the carotid artery.

To be fair, since the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Hong Kong has consistently been one of the first-tier cities with the lowest crime rates in Asia.

Even with the influx of Vietnamese, South Asians, and gangsters in recent years, leading to a surge in crime rates, it remains a low-crime area compared to first-tier cities like Tokyo and Taiwan. (Data source: 1991 Legislative Council meeting minutes)

However, the Legislative Council this time said that the chances are even greater in the future, and the doubling of gun-related cases every year is obvious to all.

"Mr. Chairman."

Zhai Yuan glanced at Li Junxia, ​​who had been brought over for questioning, sneered, and looked up at He Shizhu on the podium: "Based on the above points, I hereby submit this motion."

"...Support the motion."

"...Support the motion."

"...Support the motion."

Throughout the accountability motion, 42 Legislative Council members were present.

After Zhai Yuan finished speaking, each legislator offered their own perspectives and suggestions to the police force in response to the increasing crime rates in Hong Kong in recent years.

The meeting lasted four hours, with a twenty-minute break in the middle.

In the final vote count, Zhai Yuan's proposal to cut the police force's publicity budget and redirect that money to equipment and training expenditures was accepted.

Of the 42 members present, 41 voted in favor of the motion, with only one abstention.

When it comes to the security of lawmakers, even Zhai Yuan's official residence was shot at, and the Legislative Council showed a rare unity of purpose.

When the voting results were announced, Li Junxia's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.

Last year, the Financial Secretary announced that over HK$510 million was actually spent on Hong Kong's overseas security outreach efforts, and theoretically, this year's figure will be similar.

This amount of money is not much; in fact, if Li Junxia had just given a hint, someone would have voluntarily donated it to the police foundation.

But what's really disgusting about Zhai Yuan's actions this time through the Legislative Council is that it prevents you from spending your money. Cutting the propaganda budget for the police force means that Li Junxia can only stay in Hong Kong and work diligently this year, and there's no possibility of him flying overseas at public expense to give speeches, promote his image, or gain political achievements.

Going out to promote it at your own expense?
The Legislative Council immediately had something to do again: a charge of dereliction of duty for leaving Hong Kong without cause was slapped on the director, enough to give him another hard time.

As a member of parliament, one must exercise the rights of a member of parliament, and Zhai Yuan truly made the best use of his abilities in this regard.

"Sir Andrew Wilfred is currently on a trip overseas and has not yet returned to Hong Kong. As the Acting President of the Legislative Council, I hereby make this announcement in accordance with the usual procedures for the meeting."

Ho Sai-chu took his seat on the podium, exchanged a glance with Zhai Yuan, and slowly began to speak: "The motion to reduce the police force's publicity budget was proposed by Councilor Zhai Yuan, put to a vote, and received 41 votes, exceeding two-thirds of the seats in the Legislative Council. It is now declared passed. This is the first meeting of the Legislative Council in the new year. I wish you all a happy new year and all the best."

The crowd slowly made its way out.

Zhai Yuan leisurely got up and left his seat, pausing briefly as he passed by Li Junxia.

Looking at the Commissioner of Police, who was still standing and had a grim expression, he saw...

Zhai Yuan leaned forward, bracing his hands on the table, and gave the other man a half-smile, provocatively saying, "Li sir, I'm only moving one motion in the Legislative Council this time. The Legislative Council is meeting again on the 27th of this month, demanding that all officials disclose their salaries from last year. I'll think about what other motions I can bring up in the meeting, and then we'll play around..."

…………

1 month 7 day,
The September 1st Daily News published the news on its front page.

Police Commissioner Lee Kwan-ha has submitted a profound written self-criticism regarding the shooting of Zhai Yuan-shun at his villa in Deep Water Bay Gardens.

"As the Commissioner of Police, I am deeply saddened by the recent shooting incident in Deep Water Bay. The police force has a responsibility to ensure the safety of every citizen, and this incident has exposed shortcomings in the force's efforts to prevent violent crime. As the Commissioner, I bear this responsibility without hesitation. I hereby extend my sincerest apologies to the public, especially to Councillor Chak Yuen, and voluntarily agree to a six-month salary deduction for reflection…"

An old maid getting married!

Historically, if a senior Hong Kong government official has neglected their duties, the maximum penalty is an apology and self-criticism. It is unheard of for them to voluntarily impose a salary penalty.

People from all walks of life have been discussing Li Junxia's self-criticism extensively. At the same time, some astute individuals have realized that Li Junxia was clearly deliberately creating such a public uproar.

It's not just about reflecting on the security issues and trying to gain sympathy; it's also about conveying a stance to relevant forces in the New Territories.

You can do whatever you want, I'm not playing along.

The whole incident boils down to a conflict between Zhai Yuan and Liu Huangfa.

The last time there was a thousand-person brawl in Xiawan Village, it could be covered up by the excuse that the villagers were seizing the irrigation canal, and the police were not dispatched because a meeting was held on short notice.

What about the shooting at Zhai Yuan's official residence in Deep Water Bay this time?

It would be one thing if Zhai Yuan died, but the crucial point is that he didn't actually die!

Having already twice given the cold shoulder to Liu Huangfa, and still failed to deal with Zhai Yuan, Li Junxia felt that if there were a third time, he would most likely lose his official position.

…………

"How can you lead a police force if you're so easily frightened by a young guy? You need to find a better one!"

The official residence of Lau Wong-fat in Tuen Mun, New Territories.

Liu Huangfa dialed Li Junxia's number three times in a row, but no one answered. He couldn't help but roll his eyes and mutter a curse.

The television screen was showing a reporter interviewing Li Junxia.

……

Li Junxia: "On the night of the incident, Inspector Ren from the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau and Inspector Deng from the Special Duties Unit received advance warning, but due to the urgency of the situation, they did not have time to communicate with me regarding the exchange of intelligence. I must commend Inspector Ren and Inspector Deng for their decisive action..."

……

Looking at Li Junxia's apologetic expression on the TV, Deng Zhaotang chuckled and said, "Nobody expected Zhai Yuan to come back from Japan alive. Brother Yi is now trying his best to distance himself. It seems he doesn't intend to be on the same boat with us anymore."

"Which star did you pick!" Liu Huangfa cursed again, annoyed. "That Japanese guy said he'd find me a professional, charging a hefty $100,000, but he didn't even manage to hurt a hair on Zhai Yuan's head!"

After a pause, Lau Wong-fat waved his hand again: "But it doesn't matter. After firing cannons twice in a row, I don't believe Zhai Yuan would dare to mess with Ding Quan in our New Territories. Does anyone really think they're not afraid of death?"

The voice has not fallen,

The news on the TV screen suddenly switched to another segment.

TVB's top host, Sister Liza Wang, smiled and said to the camera:

“In recent months, there has been increasing attention to women’s rights in Hong Kong society, especially the situation of indigenous women in the New Territories on the issue of Ding rights, which has aroused much social discussion.”

"Mr. Zhai Yuan, a well-known Hong Kong businessman and Legislative Council member who is also an indigenous person of the New Territories, has always been committed to speaking out for women indigenous people in the New Territories, and there have even been many rumors of violence against them!"

"Although Representative Zhai refused to respond to these rumors of violence, he traveled to Japan last month and specially invited five feminist activists from Japan, including Ms. Chizuko Ueno, Assistant Professor at Kyoto Seika University, and Ms. Mikiyo Kano, an expert in the study of Japanese women's history, both of whom are well-known figures in promoting women's rights in Japan."

"As a socially responsible television station, in order to help the public better understand the lives and rights of women in the New Territories, TVB will broadcast a special program called 'Women's Voices' starting this Friday at 8 pm. In addition to five feminist activists from East Asia, the program will also invite Hong Kong academic experts, Legislative Council members and relevant public figures to join the dialogue, learn from and exchange East Asian experiences, and explore the future direction of the New Territories."

"I'm Sister Wang. I hope everyone will tune in to 'Women's Voices' this Friday at 8 PM to contribute to the future of Hong Kong..."

The news broadcast abruptly stopped.

Liu Huangfa and Deng Zhaotang looked at each other in bewilderment.

"I'll fuck your lungs! Why are you coming again?"

Liu Huangfa remained silent for a few seconds before slowly uttering a curse.

"This is a bit of a problem, Brother Fa."

Deng Zhaotang sat up straight, his smile fading slightly: "Last time he mobilized public opinion and conducted a poll, which caused quite a stir in the city, and the women in the New Territories all started to get restless. This time, he even invited Japanese women and went on TVB to officially launch a program. This kind of scene is no small matter."

"I, Lau Wong-fat, have guarded the New Territories for decades. What storms haven't I weathered? Even if he hires ten or eight Japanese witches, he can't change the rules left by our ancestors!"

Liu Huangfa frowned and said with a grim expression, "First, contact the representatives of each village. Each village should send fifty people to the city to surround the Broadcasting Administration Bureau and petition to boycott the broadcast of this damn program!"

He continued, "Also, contact those real estate tycoons and have them go to Hong Kong government officials and their friends in British-owned business associations to tell the white devils that the New Territories have their own rules! If the status quo cannot be maintained, I can't guarantee what impulsive things my villagers might do that could affect everyone's confidence in social stability."

"Furthermore, we, the local gentry, are going to the Hong Kong Maritime Trade Office in person to negotiate with the elders!"

Lau Wong-fat chuckled and gave Tang Siu-tong a lesson in persuasive rhetoric, continuing, "In short, as long as we get Grandpa to pass the Basic Law as soon as possible, no matter how much trouble there is outside, no one can shake the foundation of our New Territories within the next fifty years!"

(End of this chapter)