Once, we ardently embraced the lofty ideal of freedom, embarking on an extensive odyssey away from our homeland. Yet, tragically, the shores we arrived at did not culminate in the utopia we had envisioned; instead, they were rife with harsh realities that evoke a deep sense of lamentation.

Of late, certain factions have resorted to deplorable tactics, maliciously maligning my reputation online and concocting fabricated accusations alleging that I disseminate misinformation during my lectures. Fortunately, astute and informed sources have unveiled that these purveyors of falsehoods never even partook in the lectures, thereby exposing their insidious motives. While I am reluctant to elevate this issue to unnecessary prominence, the relentless propagation of misinformation forces me to contemplate the initiation of legal proceedings against those who contrive and propagate these fictitious narratives, fostering a necessity to rectify the public record.

More disheartening still, certain individuals, intent on establishing a “Big Platform,” have unabashedly reveled in the slanderous campaigns directed against me. The crude and lamentable nature of their methodologies is simultaneously laughable and tragic. Concurrently, I harbor profound sorrow for the plight of Hong Kongers residing in the UK. A community is being “represented” by power-hungry and ineffectual organizations, which have been coerced once more into a position of voicelessness. As the ancient adage states, “Better a true villain than a hypocritical gentleman.” Yet, these individuals resemble wolves in sheep’s clothing, corrupt to their very core.

Another source of sorrow for Hong Kongers lies in the overwhelming presence of self-styled “patriotic merchants” who consider themselves to be exceptionally astute. My former law firm in Hong Kong, Yung, Yu, Yuen & Co., Solicitors, epitomizes this phenomenon. Observing my unwavering commitment to human rights issues in the UK, the partners hastily capitulated and professed fealty to the Hong Kong government. Perhaps their advancing years have rendered them oblivious to the grave condition of Hong Kong’s economy. Just the other day, a client, who fervently professed to be both “patriotic and fond of Hong Kong,” paid me a visit in the UK. I had presumed that such fervent patriots would be reveling in the “governed and prosperous” state of Hong Kong. Instead, they decried the fact that Hong Kong was no longer the vibrant city it once thrived as; its economy is in a dismal state, foreign investment is fleeing en masse, and banks are ruthlessly laying off employees.

Professing loyalty in itself is not inherently wrong; however, one must question whether such actions genuinely serve the nation or merely tarnish the reputation of Hong Kong.

The machinations of this “Big Platform” are reminiscent of the practices emblematic of the Communist Party of yesteryears, echoing the ominous atmosphere of suspicion and terror characteristic of the Cultural Revolution. The public shaming of yore has metamorphosed into an online bloodbath, employing tactics so base they seem to chill the very soul.

I still vividly recall an assertion made by one of my former business partners: ” Capitalism doth serve as a fundamental pillar for democracy; however, it hath been observed that members of the so-called pro-Democracy often direct their discourse towards donations rather than striving for the promotion of commercial support. This renders their approach to appear more aligned with communism than with the principles espoused by the Communist Party itself.”

Furthermore, I would like to relay the sentiments of a British elder deeply invested in Hong Kong’s future, who conveyed to me in 2011: “Britain welcomes you. Hong Kong was once a part of Britain, and it is not a formidable challenge for Hong Kongers to integrate into Britain. Regardless of the distance, we share common beliefs and can extend mutual respect.” Thus, I beseech my fellow Hong Kongers who have journeyed from afar: do not cling to the antiquated mentality of factionalism and perpetuate past mistakes in this new land. This arena is not conducive to power struggles; therefore, I urge you to conduct yourselves with dignity and respect.

As displaced Hong Kongers, we initially sought a haven, a sanctuary to settle and find peace. Yet, presently, all that we see and hear yields nothing but disillusionment. May we, the Hong Kongers, steadfastly uphold our convictions in the face of adversity, never forgetting our original aspirations, and finding solace in this foreign land.

Note 1: The Resolution on Certain Questions in the History of Our Party Since the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, released by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in 1981, officially recognized that the Cultural Revolution was an internal disorder wrongly initiated by the leadership and exploited by counter-revolutionary factions, causing immense disasters for the Party, the nation, and all ethnic groups.