2014-09-23
HKT 12:51
Thousands of students attended a rally at the Chinese University Monday at the start of a city-wide, week-long class boycott to protest against Beijing's conservative plan political reform here.
The students from more than 20 tertiary institutions gathered in the central campus of the university where student leaders addressed the crowd.
Organisers said about 13,000 people took part in the rally.
The Secretary General of the Federation of Students, Alex Chow, said their action marks the start of a series of disobedience actions, saying that if university students would only stay in their classrooms, they would be ignoring a crisis in society and their responsibilities.
He said it's time to regain Hong Kong's future and not accept fate.
One of the organiser of the Occupy Central movement, Professor Chan Kin-man, said the turnout showed that the spirit of democracy is alive and their movement won't be defeated.
Another of the Occupy Central organisers, Benny Tai, said the turnout sent a strong message to the central government.
"I think that clearly shows that the Hong Kong university students are very committed to the course of universal suffrage, and I think they will use this opportunity to demonstrate their determination about wanting universal suffrage for Hong Kong," he said.
Leading academics in the territory have voiced support for the boycott, with some offering to record lectures and post them online for students who miss school to watch later.
The students also hope to hold rallies at Tamar Park and outside the Legislative Council building on Tuesday.
The class boycott coincides with a trip to Beijing by some of Hong Kong's most powerful business tycoons where they are expected to discuss Hong Kong politics with state leaders.
A local delegate to China's top advisory body Charles Ho said young students should study political issues more thoroughly to understand how political reform can create national security issues. Mr Ho is in Beijing as part of the delegation from Hong Kong.
In response to the class boycott, the government says it understands the students' concern for current affairs.
In a statement, it said it respects the students' persistent pursuit for ideal democracy, and their responsibility and expectation for the future of Hong Kong.
The government said it's always emphasized on grooming the students' ability to think independently and from different angles, so as to have an open and inclusive attitude towards people having different opinions and values.
It said it will work with lawmakers to forge a consensus on political reform, adding that taking an important step forward was "definitely" better than a standstill.
http://m.rthk.hk/news/20140923/1039265.htm
