Attack on HK legislator part of terror tactics: China Daily editorial

Hong Kong society is still in shock after last week's attempted murder of a legislator in a busy street in broad daylight. The attack and recent spate of violence indicate how far and how low the coalition of local and foreign anti-China forces is willing to go in pursuit of their aims.

The injured lawmaker, Junius Ho Kwan-yiu, now discharged from hospital, was stabbed in the chest by a man posing as his supporter when he was campaigning for the upcoming District Council Elections in his Tuen Mun constituency. The man, who held a bunch of flowers to disguise his real intent when approaching Ho, was charged with attempted murder on Friday.

Past elections in Hong Kong were known for being clean, fair and devoid of violence. That fine tradition is being destroyed by forces that are apparently willing to cross the bottom line of the law and humanity in pursuit of considerations other than a fair election.

Last week's attack on Ho was not the first election-related crime in recent days. It is estimated that more than 70 offices of pro-establishment lawmakers have been repeatedly trashed in the past few months, and many volunteer workers and supporters of certain candidates have been harassed in the street, making the targeted political parties unable to conduct normal election campaigns.

The violence before polling day is intended to strike fear into opposing candidates' minds, warning them that they are risking their personal safety if they continue to run for the elections.

Junius Ho became the target of political assassination because he was one of the most outspoken legislators who have condemned without reservation the recent lawlessness and the forces behind it. Removing him is intended to stifle such voices.

The opposition camp, who have always acted as if they stand on moral high ground, have mostly chosen to remain silent or sought to divert attention to the death of 22-year-old Chow Tsz-Lok who died after succumbing to injuries four days after a falling from the third to second floor of a parking garage when police fired tear gas during clashes with protesters.

In fact, opposition lawmakers themselves have demonstrated how to instil violence into politics. Also on Friday, seven opposition lawmakers were arrested for obstructing a Legislative Council bills committee meeting vetting the extradition law amendment bill on May 11 by physically harassing an elderly colleague.

Many Hong Kong residents have decided enough is enough. More than 1 million people have signed a month-long online petition against violence in Hong Kong as of Saturday night. In that spirit, all sectors of Hong Kong society should stand together to ensure the Nov 24 District Council Elections are held in a peaceful and fair manner.