Letters | Hong Kong’s array of service choices puts Australia to shame
- Readers discuss reasons for Hongkongers to cheer their city, and the decline in politeness
As most of us drive, I propose adding car repair woes to the roll-call of injustice wrought by business monopolies. I was forced to drive my shuddering Volkswagen Polo, which had a fractured engine undercarriage, to work at a hospital for a month and a half before being able to secure an appointment for repairs. The state automobile club designates only three repairers in the area for the kind of work I needed. This trio feasts on the surfeit of car misfortune directed their way.
Weeks of repair delays later, I noticed my car’s engine mount still hanging by a thread. My request for a test drive was strenuously denied. No competition and no choice in services required for daily living breeds suppliers’ contempt and predatory behaviour.
Cheer up, Hongkongers. Celebrate the array of airlines that fly out of your airport, your many international banks, and thriving small grocery stores and car repairers at every corner.
Joseph Ting, Brisbane, Australia
Hongkongers need a crash course in politeness
It’s heartwarming but rare to see children thanking minibus drivers when they disembark from the vehicles. Their parents must have taught them well.
Hongkongers are simply too busy. Most are heavily engaged in what they do. They can’t spare any attention for anything else. They are unhappy, too, due to a range of unsolvable problems.
Being polite is a necessity, not just for children, but youngsters and adults, too. It implies that one respects everyone around one. It also shows that one is aware of one’s surroundings and isn’t just focused on oneself. If we are more polite to each other, an air of harmony will prevail. Visitors will have a better impression of the city, too.
Few in Hong Kong are aware of the importance of politeness these days. For youngsters especially, it isn’t even seen as an issue.
Raising awareness of this issue requires concerted efforts. I suggest the authorities run a citywide campaign with promotional activities on the topic. Now that we are all set for more policies that improve general livelihoods, this is one suggestion that can be considered seriously.
Jacqueline Kwan, Sai Ying Pun
