V. The “From May 4 to June 4“ Lecture Series

The May 4th Movement of 1919 raised the twin banners of “democracy and science”. However, since the founding of the People's Republic by the Chinese Communist Party in 1949, the principle of one-party rule has been strictly enforced, and attempts at democracy have been brutally crushed. In 1989, there was the infamous crackdown on the nationwide democracy movement, and even today a vibrant civil rights movement is being ruthlessly suppressed. Democracy still appears a distant dream.

When Deng Xiaoping came to power, he launched a series of reforms. but the reforms are restricted to the economic sphere. The reforms granted the Chinese people the economic freedoms that lead to strong economic growth, but have had very little effect on the political situation. The lack of political reform has lead to grave problems today such as widespread corruption, massive income inequality, no legal recourse or possibility for redress for vulnerable and marginalized groups and those who have suffered injustice, insufficient labor rights and protections, decreasing access to quality education and adequate health care, increasing social tensions, and constant assaults on freedoms of the press, of expression, and of association and assembly.
China's road to democracy has been and continues to be long and tortuous. On the occasion of the important anniversaries - 90 years since the May 4 Movement and 20 years since the June 4 Incident - the Hong Kong Alliance will hold a series of lectures on China's democracy movement in order to explore and reflect with the public about the past and the way forward.

Schedule:

Friday, May 8
“The Success and Failure of the May 4 Movement and its Historical Meaning”
Speaker: Dr. Joseph Cheng Yu Shek, Professor of Political Science, The City University of Hong Kong
Presenter: Mr. Mak Hoi Wah

Friday, May 15
“The Truth and Causes of June 4”
Speaker: Mr. Szeto Wah, Chairman of Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China
Presenter: Mr. Andrew To

Friday, May 22
“The Prospect of a Democratic China: Why don't we have it? How can we get it?”
Speaker: Mr. Albert Ho Chun Yan, Secretary of Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China
Presenter: Mr. Lee Yiu Kee

Friday, May 29
“The Changes in China in the 20 years since June 4”
Speaker: Mr. Willy Lam Wo Lap, News Commentator
Presenter: Mr. Richard Tsoi Yiu Cheong

Booking: If you would like to attend any of the above lectures, please fill in the application form and return it together with a cheque payable to Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China to 8/F, Good Hope Building, 618 Nathan Road, Kowloon. Please write “From May 4 to June 4” on the envelope, and enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with $1.4 postage.

You can also register in person at the Mong Kok Services Centre of Hong Kong Professional Teachers Union, 8/F., Good Hope Building, 618 Nathan Road, Kowloon or the Causeway Bay Services Centre, Wing Tak Mansion, 15 Canal Road West, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

Dates : Fridays, May 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2009
Time : 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Venue:

Kowloon office of the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union,

8th floor, Good Hope Building,

618 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon

Fee : $20 per lecture

50% off for students, elderly and recipients of comprehensive social security allowance

Language : Cantonese