News analysis

Hong Kong protests: Tackling disconnect with citizens crucial

Observers see a need for alternative voices and better communication

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While the debate rages on as to the factors behind the unrest, the fact that Hong Kong has now experienced two massive anti-government protests in five years is raising questions about what, if anything, the Hong Kong administration might be able to do to ward off the next one.

Hong Kong watchers say a lesson learnt here is the need for alternative voices and better communication so that the connection between government and citizen in Hong Kong does not collapse the way it has in recent years.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 05, 2019, with the headline Hong Kong protests: Tackling disconnect with citizens crucial. Subscribe