E13: Ted Hui - In Conversation with Benedict Rogers

“In Conversation with Benedict Rogers” —— Former Legislative Council Member Ted Hui

It was an honour to have Ted Hui as the first guest of the interview series in 2021.

Ted is a former opposition lawmaker from Hong Kong. He played a prominent part in the city's pro-democracy movement in 2019 and 2020. He is now in exile in the United Kingdom.

In this episode, Ted spoke to our Chief Executive Benedict Rogers about what prompted him to join the city's pro-democracy movement.

Ted recounted his experience of police brutality in the protests including being sprayed in the face by pepper spray and being targeted by police with live rounds. He went on to share his view on the implications of recent arrests for Hong Kong's rule of law and future.

He continued to talk about the freezing of his bank account by HSBC HK, underlining that economic coercion is a means the CCP regime uses to oppress its dissidents and violate human rights.

He underlined the measures which should now be taken by international governments including the imposition of sanctions.

He urged other countries to help young people who are fleeing HK, especially those who do not have BNO passports in order to work or study in the UK, he said those young people wish to self-sustain themselves in other countries and he wished to see more lifeboat measures for these young people in the future.

He urged the EU to consider its EU-China trade deal.

Regarding the democracy movement inside and outside of Hong Kong, Ted said “the future prospect of the street demonstrations will be very dim. The routes to public offices, elections and democratic politicians to participate are very narrow so it’s important to nurture a civil society where everybody can participate”. Outside of Hong Kong, Ted said that advocacy as well mobilising and organising Hong Kong civil society are equally important as he believes everyone can have an influence and that should be the right move for the fight for democracy of Hong Kong.

Finally, his messages to the people inside and outside of Hong Kong:

“To HongKongers, don't give up. We never give up on Hong Kong. For people like me who are outside, I want to assure the Hong Kong people that we will be fighting continuously and it’s my lifelong mission to fight for and speak for Hong Kong. I am very determined that I will go home. Hong Kong is our Home.”

“To those who are in Hong Kong, stay calm, hold back, prepare fully for the next wave of people's movement which I believe it will come, with the international support and us speaking outside of Hong Kong and people in Hong Kong with determination and fire in their hearts, we can make a change. Tyrannies in the world won’t last forever, but the will of Hong Kong and the will of all people who support freedoms of Hong Kong will. Never give up.”

“It's not only about freedoms in Hong Kong but in the world. Having China as a superpower and extending its tyranny arms into other countries. It's important that we align with Uyghur, Taiwanese, and Belarusians to fight against all tyrannies in the world.”