In the past, when we produced the “Year Review” program, the headaches did not amount to a real “major event.” There were anger and grief in front of the news camera, and there were ridiculous nonsense and catchphrases day by day. Yet the sun will rise as usual in the morning. In this world, how many things are really worth reviewing and remembering for future generations?

However, 2020 is the exception to the rule. 2020 is 1997 with the genuine reunification, the in-depth convergence of the political system, and the “deep integration” of Xi Jinping’s new phrase. 2020 is also 2047 during which the 50 years of unchanged has changed, and the one country, two systems has been diagnosed, intubated and is dying.

A few keywords can be used to define the era: epoch-making, unprecedented, the shattering of a solemn promise, the collapse of a miracle, and the downfall of a city.

The “Wuhan pneumonia” has been raging for a year but it is only the beginning. A great pandemic is a once in a century occurrence, disrupting the habits of life. Complemented with the government’s management of the plague, a perfect storm is in the making. The wolf warrior is brimming with confidence, changing the rules of the game and no longer hiding its ferocious nature.

The “social gathering restriction” is endless, slaughtering rallies and protests. In spite of the fact that the public is consciously wearing masks, there are numerous leaks in the “border control” and the virus continues to spread for an indefinite length of time.

For the first time, the word “exile” is associated with “Hong Kong people.” Under the tyranny, the first generation of political prisoners and the first generation of exile groups emerged in Hong Kong, fleeing to the sea of fury and absconding while on bail.

“Refugees” have reappeared. Refugees are not like migrants. They are those who leave the country at all costs. For example, families run to the lockdown areas in the U.K. that have been hit by the coronavirus outbreak, demonstrating that the tyranny is fiercer than the Wuhan pneumonia. Fortunately, Hong Kong people have a genetic predisposition to flee from calamity. Our grandparents had retreated from the north to the south so that we can enjoy two generations of peace and stability. Today, history repeats itself and we can uproot ourselves with ease.

The legal weapon of “national security” emerged out of nowhere, demonstrating an era of “law and order” with the criminalization of speech, white terror, indiscriminate and arbitrary arrests and prosecutions, imprisonment before trial, and the allegation of collusion with foreign powers. In the name of “national security,” the public prosecution and law enforcement system has exclusive power, and the Hong Kong Police Force has become a powerful department. A wave of criticism and persecution started in the education system. In addition, Jimmy Lai is the target in the media sector.

More keywords are existing words with newfound meanings. Collusion with the Hong Kong police, “extradition law” became a reality, 12 Hongkongers vanished into thin air, experience the country’s compassion of state-mandated lawyers assigned by the Chinese government, the apprehension of waiting without an expiration date, and understanding the transparent and advanced judicial system of the country and the glorious future of the Greater Bay Area.

With the normalization and convenience of “DQ” (disqualification/disqualified), the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) can order a thorn in the eye to lose his or her seat, and a low-ranking government official can be DQ with a Facebook message. Teaching materials that are not politically correct enough and examination questions that undermine national sentiments can all be DQ.

The “Oath of Allegiance” is put into practice and weaponized. The country demands your loyalty, how can you slack off. Every civil servant is bound by a curse, and you can choose between a job for life and your dignity.

There is a new interpretation of “money laundering.” The Hong Kong police have demonstrated that there is no limit to the scope of the law. At any time, they can freeze your entire family’s assets, prevent you from crowdfunding, and cut off all your financial means. There is no consideration for the reputation of Hong Kong’s free flow of capital, the suppression of dissidents, and the destruction of its own golden goose.

As the year comes to an end, there will be no more fireworks in Victoria Harbour. The lights may still dazzle but the neon signs have all been replaced by China’s upstart. The “new Hong Kong people” are in place, and “keep the island but not the people” has been realized. 2020, say goodbye to your former home and venture into the new world.

(Allan Au Ka-lun, veteran journalist)

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