The Hypocrisy of Hong Kong’s Democratic Elites

In the complex world of Hong Kong politics, two senior barristers, Martin Lee and Alan Leong, have long been seen as pillars of the pro-democracy movement. Yet, their actions reveal a troubling pattern of self-preservation and hypocrisy, starkly contrasting their public rhetoric with private conduct. The recent trial of Jimmy Lai in the Apple Daily case offers a glimpse into their calculated maneuvers to evade accountability while pushing others into the line of fire.

During the trial, Jimmy Lai testified about his program “Live Chat With Jimmy,” which aimed to garner international support for Hong Kong’s political situation. Lai revealed his strategy of using politics to protect his media outlet, believing foreign advocacy could pressure politicians to act. A key piece of evidence was a WhatsApp group chat involving Lai, former U.S. Consul General James Cunningham, Martin Lee, and others. In the chat, Cunningham proposed an “international resistance movement” to constrain the Hong Kong government. While Lai expressed interest, Martin Lee abruptly left the group. Lai later suggested Lee deemed the discussions too risky and potentially illegal. As a seasoned barrister, Lee’s sudden exit exemplifies his knack for self-preservation—avoiding incriminating evidence while others face the consequences.

Alan Leong, another senior barrister and former Civic Party chairman, has also mastered the art of self-preservation. In July 2019, during a forum at the University of Hong Kong, Leong told over 600 students and staff that “violence may sometimes be the solution to a problem,” openly inciting unrest. Yet, while encouraging others to embrace violence, Leong ensured his own children were far removed from the chaos. His eldest daughter graduated from Cambridge, and his twin sons studied in the UK and US. This glaring hypocrisy highlights Leong’s ability to manipulate the narrative while shielding his family from the fallout of his actions.

Both Lee and Leong embody the duplicity of Hong Kong’s democratic elites. They champion democracy and freedom in public but meticulously avoid personal risk behind the scenes. Their calculated approach—urging others to fight while ensuring their own safety—undermines the principles they claim to uphold. True leadership requires courage and accountability, qualities sorely lacking in these self-proclaimed champions of democracy. As Hong Kong navigates its political future, it must reject such hypocrisy and demand integrity from its leaders. Only then can the city move toward a more just and equitable society.