Hikers draw line in sand before country park vote

(Credits to Mingpao)

More than 100 hikers and supporters, including former Hong Kong Observatory director Lam Chiu-ying, walked through Tai Long Sai Wan in Sai Kung in a symbolic gesture to protect the scenic area.

The hike was inaugurated on Facebook, and came three days before lawmakers are due to vote on Heung Yee Kuk lawmaker Lau Wong-fat's motion amendment to remove a government proposal to include the area in the country park.

The hikers gathered at Sai Wan Temple and walked to Tai Long Sai Wan where they formed into a heart shape with the words "I love Tai Long Sai Wan" scratched in the sand.

But Sai Wan village head Lai Yan said they would stand firm against the government plan. About 10 villagers camped outside the Legislative Council until the vote on Wednesday.

Lai accused the government of "bullying" and stripping away their rights as indigenous villagers, as placing Sai Wan under the Country Parks Ordinance would reduce their freedom to build small houses and run businesses.

The public had misconstrued the issue, Lai said. "Everyone is talking about conservation in beautiful Sai Wan … Perhaps they could see us as a group of endangered species in need of conservation."

Legislative Council chairman Jasper Tsang Yok-sing approved Lau's amendment on Wednesday. Tsang said it was within the rules, as it was a bi-legislation and lawmakers have the power to make amendments, or to abolish it.