I am deeply moved by the ardent support from the Engineering Sector on the political reform issues, and remain most thankful.  However, I have to admit that I am most saddened and disappointed to see the political reform proposal eventually being rejected by the pan-democrats, and mourn the loss of a golden opportunity to implement universal suffrage in Hong Kong.

 

When the voting bell rang in the LegCo Meeting on 18th June, an urgent motion was moved in an attempt to defer the voting activity for 15 minutes to allow Hon Lau Wong Fat, who was unfortunately unwell, but nevertheless rushing back to the LegCo Chambers, to cast his vote, ensuring all 41 pro-establishment LegCo Members to vote to support this motion, albeit still slightly short of the 2/3 majority required to pass the motion.  The LegCo Chairman, basing on the rules of procedure, noted that the time lapse counter had operated and there was only half a minute left to vote, ruled that he was unable to accept the proposal for deferment.  The pro-establishment members then decided to leave the meeting en bloc, hoping to make the meeting not quorate.  Unfortunately, they were unaware that they had failed to assemble all to leave, thus accidentally allowing the voting process to continue.  The inability to pass the motion might have been an unavoidable reality as the 28 veto votes already exceeded 1/3 of total number of councilors, but the fact that 33 members did not vote had caused gross embarrassment.  We deeply regret this, and must solemnly apologize to the large number of Hong Kong citizens who have supported the political reform proposal.

 

In expressing my deep appreciation to your unfailing support, I do hope that you will appreciate my profound sorrow and pain.  Over the last 20 months, I have been widely collecting views from the Engineering Sector, hoping to put Hong Kong on the right path for universal suffrage.

 

I have industriously stationed at the LegCo Chamber throughout the two days of motion debate on this subject, and have expressed my views, representing our sector, and to show our unswerving support to the political reform proposal.  It never occurred to me that I would lose the opportunity to cast my supporting vote to this motion, and I deeply regret the loss opportunity due to that unfortunate incident.

 

The political reform proposal had failed to pass, but our society cannot afford to be torn apart. Hong Kong’s future relies on us.  The joint effort of the Engineering Sector is vital to develop economy and to improve people’s livelihood.  We must be united and pragmatic, and we must move forward.