Intro:I dont feel the atmosphere is getting better, says Hong Kong democracy campaigner, Emily Lau. Otherwise people would not call up my office to say they want to hack off my head!
In the run-up to elections on September 12, Lau claims anti-democratic forces on the Chinese mainland are waging a war against those fighting for more transparency and freedom in Hong Kong. She says she receives regular death threats as do prominent media personalities. Recently, two high rating radio stars hosts of the provocative and popular talkback show Teacup in a Storm resigned after receiving phone calls threatening themselves and their families. Now one of them has teamed up with Lau and is also running for parliament.
Last month, hundreds of thousands of people marched through the streets of Hong Kong to make a point to their political masters in Beijing. Seven years after the British handed back the colony to mainland China, theyre not happy about the slow pace of political reform. And theyre concerned that universal suffrage wont be introduced by 2008 just one day.
But those at the top have no complaints. Tycoon Sir Gordon Wu, whos got the lucrative contract to construct an enormous bridge and tunnel network to the mainland, tells Foreign Correspondent: Anybody who doesnt think that Hong Kong has to depend on the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) must be the biggest idiot on earth. He believes Hong Kong is not ready for democracy.
Mountainous scenery
Music
City scape
Taylor: Hong Kong one of the worlds great financial capitals -- where east meets west to make money.
Music
Taylor: Towering monuments testify to its capitalist success, though times have been hard in recent years.
Once a British colony, for seven years its been part of a political experiment a free territory existing within communist, Chinese, control.
Hong Kong street scenes
Combining democracy and one party rule was never going to be easy. In the lead up to local parliamentary elections, politics in Hong Kong are the most heated since the handover. China has squashed hopes of greater democracy within the next 4 years; there are claims of media and political intimidation; and people are taking to the streets for freedom.
Hong Kong rally
In the second mass march in two years, hundreds of thousands of people braved stifling heat, filling the heart of Hong Kong for hours in a steady and peaceful procession.
Lau: Some people say oh HK people dont care about politics, they dont care
Lau. Super:
Emily Lau
Frontier Party candidateabout democracy. But theyre wrong again. They all marched.
Hong Kong rallyLoh: Hong Kong people have been yearning for democratic reform now for Id say more than two decades. Slowly,
Loh. Super:
Christine Loh
Civic Exchange CEOgradually, but its coming to a crescendo. In fact, I think that weve kind of tipped over.
City scape/RallyMusic
DemonstrationTaylor: This years 7th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to the motherland wasnt a cause for celebration.
Chinas recent decision to indefinitely delay full democracy in the territory by 2008 spurred people into action.
Chant over loudspeakerWe must stand firm and never give way!
Lau: I think the people are very determined. Especially this year when they march to demand direct election in 2007 and 08.
Lau Beijing had already spoken. Beijing had already said no, and people thought oh Hong Kong people are very pragmatic, if somethings decided, they will move on. But they didnt!
Emily Lau campaigningLong time pro-democracy campaigner Emily Lau is seeking re-election. On September the 12th, Hong Kong goes to the polls. For the first time half the parliament will be directly elected. The rest will be chosen by industries, unions and professional groups mostly aligned to Beijing.
Lau: I think that we have to fight for it. Democracy and freedoms,
Lauand rule of law, they do not just grow on trees.
Lau campaigning
Taylor: The people of Hong Kong cant choose their leader or their government.
The politicians theyll elect to parliament will have little real power.
Under Hong Kongs mini constitution, the Basic Law, China has pledged to allow one person one vote, but who knows when.
Lau: Yes,
Lau.
Super:
Emily Lau
Frontier Party candidatein the Basic Law it says ultimately we can have democracy. But youve also heard of the expression, ultimately, or in the long term, were all dead!
Lau at microphone campaigning Advocacy for change comes at a cost.
In recent months Emily Laus received death threats, and her office has been attacked.
Emily Lau outside her office
Lau: We had a poster here, calling on people to go to march on July 1st. So this guy came at around 1.30 or 2a.m. and used this LPG canister to try to set it on fire. He also scrawled here.
Taylor: What did he say?
Lau: All Traitors must die.
Albert announcing he will stand in the election
Albert Cheng is a man who knows what its like to be labelled a traitor.
Hes running for office as a pro-democracy independent, but until recently was the king of Hong Kongs airwaves, nicknamed Taipan.
Albert in Radio studioFor ten years Albert Cheng hosted a radio show, Teacup in a Storm, fiercely criticising the government and promoting democratic reforms.
Several months ago, in a storm of publicity, he left the show, claiming hed been threatened by a Chinese triad gangster to tone down or else.
Cheng: Obviously Im the most influential opinion maker in Hong Kong. My opinion
Albert Chengwill affect how many people go on the street on July 1st and people voting for the democratic camp. You know, I think thats what the purpose is, thats what theyre worrying about.
Taylor: Mr Cheng is in no doubt that Chinese officials are behind the triad threats.
Albert ChengCheng: I think a lot of people take the matter into their own hands and try to doing a favour to this certain officials personally.
Cheng beside minibus
Taylor: Albert Chengs not easily spooked. In 1998 he was nearly killed in a gangland style knife attack outside his studio, but returned to the airwaves. No one has ever been charged.
Albert getting into car surrounded by photographers Now having been silenced on radio, hes hoping a seat in the legislative council will be his new platform.
Albert Cheng
Cheng: heres no choice for me. If I want to stay in Hong Kong, if I want to continue to serve Hong Kong people and continue to fight for justice, democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech and also most important is maintain my freedom of expression, this is the only place I can go.
Opening of Allen Lee showMusic
Taylor: Albert Chengs tale of political intimidation isnt unique among media stars.
Allen Lee in television showMeet Allen Lee. Tonight hes co-hosting a series of election debates on cable television, but not long ago, he was Albert Chengs replacement on Teacup in a Storm.
A respected former Hong Kong politician, and delegate to Chinas national parliament, he lasted less than two weeks before he resigned.
The final straw a late night approach.
Lee: Finally I receive a phone call from an official in Beijing. He claimed to know me well.
Allen LeeThen he spoke about my family, and etcetera, then he say he want to see me.
TV StudioTaylor: The menacing calls stopped as soon as he gave up the show.
Allen Lees certain that Chinas trying to influence media coverage ahead of the September elections.
Lee: hey are afraid to lose control. in Hong Kong. In fact
Allen Lee.
Super:
Allen Lee
Former Hong Kong politician
the provinces in China. Now at the end of the day, some day the 1.3 billion people in China are going to ask, why cant we elect our own leader? A legitimate question needs to be addressed and needs to be answered.
People on streets Music
Christine Loh, who runs an independent public policy think tank in Hong Kong says China is also worried about independence.
Loh: If you are sitting up in Beijing,
Christine Loh
your fear is what people said they want some kind of self-determination, and their determination is that they might want to split away from China. So I think, these may sound ridiculous, but these are actually are core issues, within the Chinese thinking about politics.
PLA parade
Taylor: This year in an unprecedented move for Hong Kong, the Peoples Liberation Army put on a show to celebrate the 77th anniversary of their founding.
The parade of military might was seen by some people here as a threat, others as an event to inspire nationalism and unity.
Even pro-democracy campaigners were invited to attend the display of One China.
Emily Lau. Super:
Emily Lau
Frontier Party candidateLau: I said Sorry, thank you very much, but its not my cup of tea. So I declined, and said I dont feel that the atmospheres getting better. Otherwise people would not call up my office to say that they want to hack off my head!
ParadeTaylor: Looking on was the embattled Chief Executive, Tung Chee Hwa.
Hes caught between the aspirations of Hong Kong and the heavy hand of his Communist masters -- and popularly viewed as ineffective.
Loh: Our problem with Mr. Tung is, we dont think he is promoting Hong Kongs case vigorously or well in Beijing.
Christine LohNow, of course, Hong Kong is a part of China, we cannot do what we want.
Helicopter Taylor: Hong Kongs Constitutional Affairs Secretary, Stephen Lam, says the Government is doing its best.
Lam: I would say that the Chief Executive has done what he can and has done what he believes to be in the interest of Hong Kong.
Stephen Lam. Super:
Stephen Lam
Constitutional Affairs SecretaryLam: Governments all over the world can be popular or unpopular, but our mission is to steady peoples nerves, push ahead with the restructuring of the economy and deliver goodies.
Night shots of Hong KongMusic
Taylor: On the streets of Hong Kong the bright neon lights are a gay façade no reflection whats inside the hearts of the people.
Music
Wong Shi-Kwai in taxi
Shi-Kwai: I think the governments management ability is not ideal. Everything is different, life is more stressful, we have less freedom than before, everything you say is restricted.
In taxi
Taylor: Wong Shi-Kwai has been driving taxis in Hong Kong for 25 years.
Shi-Kwai
Shi-Kwai: If there were universal suffrage, there would not be so many arguments. Tension would be eased.
Shi-Kwai at local restaurant
Restaurant kitchen
Taylor: Hong Kongs financial woes from the Asian economic crisis and SARS virus are fading, but the experience of years of deflation and falling property prices has changed the public mood.
Shi-Kwai eating dinner
Shi-Kwai: They wish to directly elect someone who is able to govern, and can boom Hong Kongs economy. I believe, nowadays, more than half of Hong Kong people dont trust the Communist Party. They are suspicious of it.
On roof of Sir Gordons building looking out over Hong KongMusic
Super: Sir Gordon Wu
Chairman, Hopewell Holdings Sir Gordon: So the important thing is really, work hard and understand the principles of government.
Taylor: So why the pool?
Sir Gordon: Why the pool. Well, first of all it might have some practical use and also, its good Feng Shui. That means, the idea water is supposed to be like money. Now if the sky, the gods are nice to you they might send you some rain send you some money and youve got to have a big receptacle.
Shots from roof
Taylor: Life at the top of Hong Kong is good. Engineer, Sir Gordon Wu, is one of Hong Kongs richest and most influential business leaders.
Gordon WuSir Gordon: Anybody who doesnt think that Hong Kong has to depend on the PRC must be the biggest idiot on earth. Because you are talking about getting access to a 1.3 billion people market.
Shots from RoofTaylor: Links with China, he believes, are vital -- and hes building one --an enormous bridge and tunnel network to the mainland.
He has little patience for the pro-democratic fight, believing, like Beijing, that Hong Kong is not ready.
Gordon Wu
Sir Gordon: So for Beijing we know that theyre working towards universal suffrage. But what they need is time. But in the meanwhile they give Hong Kong a breathing space in that you keep your own system. So why is that that we want to criticise them youre no good, youre no good and want to start a revolution. Thats not our fight. And thats how I look at it.
Allen Lee. Super:
Allen Lee
Former Hong Kong politicianLee: People like Gordon had it too good, in Hong Kong. A lot of people are calling them the fat cats of Hong Kong and when they have that kind of thing how can you argue with them?
Loh. Super:
Christine Loh
Civic Exchange CEOLoh: Hong Kong people do want universal suffrage, they do believe that they are able, they want to and they are able to choose their own political leaders.
BoatsMusic
Chris Chung on boat
Chung: Now, Ill tell you something to pass on to all fishermen for me. Remember not to work on election day, September 12th. If you do go fishing, come back.
Chris on boat with fishermenTaylor: Chris Chung is a candidate for Hong Kongs largest pro-Beijing party.
The party sees itself as a bridge between Hong Kong and the mainland.
Mr Chung is hunting for votes among fishermen who ply Hong Kong and Chinese waters.
Chung: You could say we are close to Beijing, in fact, we are a patriotic party. We think our country is progressing.
Chris ChungWe are supporting the national progress and the national democracy. It is the obligation of every Chinese person.
Chung on boatTaylor: This election for Chris Chung and his party is likely to be tough -- being close to China isnt necessarily a vote winner.
Having a bet each way, his party proposes the introduction of universal suffrage in 2012 and warns of the consequences should the Democrats win a majority this election.
Chris Chung
Chung: It will create a big crisis for Hong Kongs economy. It will also make the international community will lose confidence in Hong Kong.
Sir Gordon Wu
Sir Gordon: When you read all of the speeches of the central governments leaders, they are not adverse to all these things except one thing, their biggest worry, they want stability. What they dont want is the country multi-parties, all fractured and there will even be civil war and that kind of thing. What they want is stability and they believe that all these changes should come gradually.
Albert Cheng campaigningCheng: We will firmly pursue universal suffrage!
Taylor: Former radio announcer Albert Cheng is now blazing a campaign trail, with the support of Emily Lau.
Whatever the election outcome, their fight for democracy is sure to continue.
Lau: I am
Laua middle-aged woman in a hurry. I want to see it in my lifetime. I also want to see democracy in the mainland, in my lifetime.
Lam. Super:
Stephen Lam
Constitutional Affairs SecretaryLam: At the moment we are at crossroads. We are debating the pace and form at which we should attain universal suffrage for our constitutional government.
Hong Kong buildings Taylor: For the people of Hong Kong, government rhetoric is no assurance that their democratic dreams will be realised.
The freedoms already enjoyed here in Chinas only free city, exist only on paper in the mainland.
The dilemma for China is that Hong Kongs citizens want to run their own affairs.
The dilemma for Hong Kong is that -- like it or not -- its now part of China, and its future will be decided by the Communists in Beijing.
Credits: Reporter: John Taylor
Camera: Geoffrey Lye
Sound: Curtis Rodda
Editor: Simon Brynjolffssen
Research: Martin Yip
Producer: Mary Ann Jolley
In the run-up to elections on September 12, Lau claims anti-democratic forces on the Chinese mainland are waging a war against those fighting for more transparency and freedom in Hong Kong. She says she receives regular death threats as do prominent media personalities. Recently, two high rating radio stars hosts of the provocative and popular talkback show Teacup in a Storm resigned after receiving phone calls threatening themselves and their families. Now one of them has teamed up with Lau and is also running for parliament.
Last month, hundreds of thousands of people marched through the streets of Hong Kong to make a point to their political masters in Beijing. Seven years after the British handed back the colony to mainland China, theyre not happy about the slow pace of political reform. And theyre concerned that universal suffrage wont be introduced by 2008 just one day.
But those at the top have no complaints. Tycoon Sir Gordon Wu, whos got the lucrative contract to construct an enormous bridge and tunnel network to the mainland, tells Foreign Correspondent: Anybody who doesnt think that Hong Kong has to depend on the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) must be the biggest idiot on earth. He believes Hong Kong is not ready for democracy.
Mountainous scenery
Music
City scape
Taylor: Hong Kong one of the worlds great financial capitals -- where east meets west to make money.
Music
Taylor: Towering monuments testify to its capitalist success, though times have been hard in recent years.
Once a British colony, for seven years its been part of a political experiment a free territory existing within communist, Chinese, control.
Hong Kong street scenes
Combining democracy and one party rule was never going to be easy. In the lead up to local parliamentary elections, politics in Hong Kong are the most heated since the handover. China has squashed hopes of greater democracy within the next 4 years; there are claims of media and political intimidation; and people are taking to the streets for freedom.
Hong Kong rally
In the second mass march in two years, hundreds of thousands of people braved stifling heat, filling the heart of Hong Kong for hours in a steady and peaceful procession.
Lau: Some people say oh HK people dont care about politics, they dont care
Lau. Super:
Emily Lau
Frontier Party candidateabout democracy. But theyre wrong again. They all marched.
Hong Kong rallyLoh: Hong Kong people have been yearning for democratic reform now for Id say more than two decades. Slowly,
Loh. Super:
Christine Loh
Civic Exchange CEOgradually, but its coming to a crescendo. In fact, I think that weve kind of tipped over.
City scape/RallyMusic
DemonstrationTaylor: This years 7th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to the motherland wasnt a cause for celebration.
Chinas recent decision to indefinitely delay full democracy in the territory by 2008 spurred people into action.
Chant over loudspeakerWe must stand firm and never give way!
Lau: I think the people are very determined. Especially this year when they march to demand direct election in 2007 and 08.
Lau Beijing had already spoken. Beijing had already said no, and people thought oh Hong Kong people are very pragmatic, if somethings decided, they will move on. But they didnt!
Emily Lau campaigningLong time pro-democracy campaigner Emily Lau is seeking re-election. On September the 12th, Hong Kong goes to the polls. For the first time half the parliament will be directly elected. The rest will be chosen by industries, unions and professional groups mostly aligned to Beijing.
Lau: I think that we have to fight for it. Democracy and freedoms,
Lauand rule of law, they do not just grow on trees.
Lau campaigning
Taylor: The people of Hong Kong cant choose their leader or their government.
The politicians theyll elect to parliament will have little real power.
Under Hong Kongs mini constitution, the Basic Law, China has pledged to allow one person one vote, but who knows when.
Lau: Yes,
Lau.
Super:
Emily Lau
Frontier Party candidatein the Basic Law it says ultimately we can have democracy. But youve also heard of the expression, ultimately, or in the long term, were all dead!
Lau at microphone campaigning Advocacy for change comes at a cost.
In recent months Emily Laus received death threats, and her office has been attacked.
Emily Lau outside her office
Lau: We had a poster here, calling on people to go to march on July 1st. So this guy came at around 1.30 or 2a.m. and used this LPG canister to try to set it on fire. He also scrawled here.
Taylor: What did he say?
Lau: All Traitors must die.
Albert announcing he will stand in the election
Albert Cheng is a man who knows what its like to be labelled a traitor.
Hes running for office as a pro-democracy independent, but until recently was the king of Hong Kongs airwaves, nicknamed Taipan.
Albert in Radio studioFor ten years Albert Cheng hosted a radio show, Teacup in a Storm, fiercely criticising the government and promoting democratic reforms.
Several months ago, in a storm of publicity, he left the show, claiming hed been threatened by a Chinese triad gangster to tone down or else.
Cheng: Obviously Im the most influential opinion maker in Hong Kong. My opinion
Albert Chengwill affect how many people go on the street on July 1st and people voting for the democratic camp. You know, I think thats what the purpose is, thats what theyre worrying about.
Taylor: Mr Cheng is in no doubt that Chinese officials are behind the triad threats.
Albert ChengCheng: I think a lot of people take the matter into their own hands and try to doing a favour to this certain officials personally.
Cheng beside minibus
Taylor: Albert Chengs not easily spooked. In 1998 he was nearly killed in a gangland style knife attack outside his studio, but returned to the airwaves. No one has ever been charged.
Albert getting into car surrounded by photographers Now having been silenced on radio, hes hoping a seat in the legislative council will be his new platform.
Albert Cheng
Cheng: heres no choice for me. If I want to stay in Hong Kong, if I want to continue to serve Hong Kong people and continue to fight for justice, democracy, human rights, and freedom of speech and also most important is maintain my freedom of expression, this is the only place I can go.
Opening of Allen Lee showMusic
Taylor: Albert Chengs tale of political intimidation isnt unique among media stars.
Allen Lee in television showMeet Allen Lee. Tonight hes co-hosting a series of election debates on cable television, but not long ago, he was Albert Chengs replacement on Teacup in a Storm.
A respected former Hong Kong politician, and delegate to Chinas national parliament, he lasted less than two weeks before he resigned.
The final straw a late night approach.
Lee: Finally I receive a phone call from an official in Beijing. He claimed to know me well.
Allen LeeThen he spoke about my family, and etcetera, then he say he want to see me.
TV StudioTaylor: The menacing calls stopped as soon as he gave up the show.
Allen Lees certain that Chinas trying to influence media coverage ahead of the September elections.
Lee: hey are afraid to lose control. in Hong Kong. In fact
Allen Lee.
Super:
Allen Lee
Former Hong Kong politician
the provinces in China. Now at the end of the day, some day the 1.3 billion people in China are going to ask, why cant we elect our own leader? A legitimate question needs to be addressed and needs to be answered.
People on streets Music
Christine Loh, who runs an independent public policy think tank in Hong Kong says China is also worried about independence.
Loh: If you are sitting up in Beijing,
Christine Loh
your fear is what people said they want some kind of self-determination, and their determination is that they might want to split away from China. So I think, these may sound ridiculous, but these are actually are core issues, within the Chinese thinking about politics.
PLA parade
Taylor: This year in an unprecedented move for Hong Kong, the Peoples Liberation Army put on a show to celebrate the 77th anniversary of their founding.
The parade of military might was seen by some people here as a threat, others as an event to inspire nationalism and unity.
Even pro-democracy campaigners were invited to attend the display of One China.
Emily Lau. Super:
Emily Lau
Frontier Party candidateLau: I said Sorry, thank you very much, but its not my cup of tea. So I declined, and said I dont feel that the atmospheres getting better. Otherwise people would not call up my office to say that they want to hack off my head!
ParadeTaylor: Looking on was the embattled Chief Executive, Tung Chee Hwa.
Hes caught between the aspirations of Hong Kong and the heavy hand of his Communist masters -- and popularly viewed as ineffective.
Loh: Our problem with Mr. Tung is, we dont think he is promoting Hong Kongs case vigorously or well in Beijing.
Christine LohNow, of course, Hong Kong is a part of China, we cannot do what we want.
Helicopter Taylor: Hong Kongs Constitutional Affairs Secretary, Stephen Lam, says the Government is doing its best.
Lam: I would say that the Chief Executive has done what he can and has done what he believes to be in the interest of Hong Kong.
Stephen Lam. Super:
Stephen Lam
Constitutional Affairs SecretaryLam: Governments all over the world can be popular or unpopular, but our mission is to steady peoples nerves, push ahead with the restructuring of the economy and deliver goodies.
Night shots of Hong KongMusic
Taylor: On the streets of Hong Kong the bright neon lights are a gay façade no reflection whats inside the hearts of the people.
Music
Wong Shi-Kwai in taxi
Shi-Kwai: I think the governments management ability is not ideal. Everything is different, life is more stressful, we have less freedom than before, everything you say is restricted.
In taxi
Taylor: Wong Shi-Kwai has been driving taxis in Hong Kong for 25 years.
Shi-Kwai
Shi-Kwai: If there were universal suffrage, there would not be so many arguments. Tension would be eased.
Shi-Kwai at local restaurant
Restaurant kitchen
Taylor: Hong Kongs financial woes from the Asian economic crisis and SARS virus are fading, but the experience of years of deflation and falling property prices has changed the public mood.
Shi-Kwai eating dinner
Shi-Kwai: They wish to directly elect someone who is able to govern, and can boom Hong Kongs economy. I believe, nowadays, more than half of Hong Kong people dont trust the Communist Party. They are suspicious of it.
On roof of Sir Gordons building looking out over Hong KongMusic
Super: Sir Gordon Wu
Chairman, Hopewell Holdings Sir Gordon: So the important thing is really, work hard and understand the principles of government.
Taylor: So why the pool?
Sir Gordon: Why the pool. Well, first of all it might have some practical use and also, its good Feng Shui. That means, the idea water is supposed to be like money. Now if the sky, the gods are nice to you they might send you some rain send you some money and youve got to have a big receptacle.
Shots from roof
Taylor: Life at the top of Hong Kong is good. Engineer, Sir Gordon Wu, is one of Hong Kongs richest and most influential business leaders.
Gordon WuSir Gordon: Anybody who doesnt think that Hong Kong has to depend on the PRC must be the biggest idiot on earth. Because you are talking about getting access to a 1.3 billion people market.
Shots from RoofTaylor: Links with China, he believes, are vital -- and hes building one --an enormous bridge and tunnel network to the mainland.
He has little patience for the pro-democratic fight, believing, like Beijing, that Hong Kong is not ready.
Gordon Wu
Sir Gordon: So for Beijing we know that theyre working towards universal suffrage. But what they need is time. But in the meanwhile they give Hong Kong a breathing space in that you keep your own system. So why is that that we want to criticise them youre no good, youre no good and want to start a revolution. Thats not our fight. And thats how I look at it.
Allen Lee. Super:
Allen Lee
Former Hong Kong politicianLee: People like Gordon had it too good, in Hong Kong. A lot of people are calling them the fat cats of Hong Kong and when they have that kind of thing how can you argue with them?
Loh. Super:
Christine Loh
Civic Exchange CEOLoh: Hong Kong people do want universal suffrage, they do believe that they are able, they want to and they are able to choose their own political leaders.
BoatsMusic
Chris Chung on boat
Chung: Now, Ill tell you something to pass on to all fishermen for me. Remember not to work on election day, September 12th. If you do go fishing, come back.
Chris on boat with fishermenTaylor: Chris Chung is a candidate for Hong Kongs largest pro-Beijing party.
The party sees itself as a bridge between Hong Kong and the mainland.
Mr Chung is hunting for votes among fishermen who ply Hong Kong and Chinese waters.
Chung: You could say we are close to Beijing, in fact, we are a patriotic party. We think our country is progressing.
Chris ChungWe are supporting the national progress and the national democracy. It is the obligation of every Chinese person.
Chung on boatTaylor: This election for Chris Chung and his party is likely to be tough -- being close to China isnt necessarily a vote winner.
Having a bet each way, his party proposes the introduction of universal suffrage in 2012 and warns of the consequences should the Democrats win a majority this election.
Chris Chung
Chung: It will create a big crisis for Hong Kongs economy. It will also make the international community will lose confidence in Hong Kong.
Sir Gordon Wu
Sir Gordon: When you read all of the speeches of the central governments leaders, they are not adverse to all these things except one thing, their biggest worry, they want stability. What they dont want is the country multi-parties, all fractured and there will even be civil war and that kind of thing. What they want is stability and they believe that all these changes should come gradually.
Albert Cheng campaigningCheng: We will firmly pursue universal suffrage!
Taylor: Former radio announcer Albert Cheng is now blazing a campaign trail, with the support of Emily Lau.
Whatever the election outcome, their fight for democracy is sure to continue.
Lau: I am
Laua middle-aged woman in a hurry. I want to see it in my lifetime. I also want to see democracy in the mainland, in my lifetime.
Lam. Super:
Stephen Lam
Constitutional Affairs SecretaryLam: At the moment we are at crossroads. We are debating the pace and form at which we should attain universal suffrage for our constitutional government.
Hong Kong buildings Taylor: For the people of Hong Kong, government rhetoric is no assurance that their democratic dreams will be realised.
The freedoms already enjoyed here in Chinas only free city, exist only on paper in the mainland.
The dilemma for China is that Hong Kongs citizens want to run their own affairs.
The dilemma for Hong Kong is that -- like it or not -- its now part of China, and its future will be decided by the Communists in Beijing.
Credits: Reporter: John Taylor
Camera: Geoffrey Lye
Sound: Curtis Rodda
Editor: Simon Brynjolffssen
Research: Martin Yip
Producer: Mary Ann Jolley