Civil Society Building for Hong Kong
Background, Aim and Plan of PPWK

Several years ago, concern individuals formed an informal cross sector focus group. They met regularly to discuss various issues relating to long term planning of our city - including Hong Kong Cultural Master Plan and the West Kowloon Project. Member of this informal group includes Desmond Hui of HKU, Albert Lai, Tang Shuwing, WK Chan and myself etc. We have since found much concern from our community; professionals and experts on the same subject. In March last year, we were shocked by disbandment of Cultural Heritage Commission which in theory was responsible on developing Cultural Master Plan and monitoring West Kowloon Project. And six months later, the Government released the problematic Invitation For Proposal (IFP.) We have then expressed and written articles commenting on these issues, and were amazed by the non-responsiveness of our Government.

On 11 November, we have rallied nine organizations from civil society, and cultural sectors to call for re-examination of the Invitation For Proposal (IFP) of West Kowloon Project. The alliance by the name of PPWK (People's Panel on West Kowloon) is formed. The advocacy Alliance called for extending the proposed "5 weeks" consultation indefinitely, and organizing group of 800 to form a rational and knowledge base advocacy platform to re-examining the IFP (released last September):

1. with emphasis on legality, governance and financial issues
2. re-examination of cultural and urban development policies
3. public consultation process

It is PPWK's belief that united we gain a more solid ground for achieving civil society and developing cultural think tank for Hong Kong. There is much rumor around town on discrediting community voluntary effort. Therefore we have prepared a questionnaire asking members of 800 to fill in; and the first question is on declaration of interest. All the PPWK core members have declared that they have NO legal involvement on the said project with the Government and/or the private developers; therefore as we are inviting you to join the 800, we are asking you to do the same.

PPWK's position on West Kowloon Project is as follow:

1. We welcome the Government's interest and commitment on cultural development
2. We welcome developers' involvements on NGO-NPO civil society building for Hong Kong. We welcome their commitment in supporting arts and culture development for Hong Kong.
3. We welcome other NGO-NPO sectors to work closely with the NGO-NPO cultural sector on building Hong Kong into Cultural Hub of Asia.
4. We welcome Government's effort on boldly experimenting tri-sector collaboration of such important project for Hong Kong, for this is the base of civil society development.

However, we are deeply concern:

1. Our Government's lack of cultural vision and capability on achieving their objectives in building HK into Cultural Hub of the region. The IFP has clearly reviewed such short comings. It is also our concern that Government's lack of legal structure in over-looking the development of West Kowloon. This is the reason much criticisms were put upon Government-private sector relationship.
2. Our private sector - the developers' capability in achieving the same objectives in view of such short time frame, especially when Hong Kong lacks cultural blue print.
3. Our community not able to grasp the total picture because of limited and sporadic information.
4. The tri-sector effort has gone the wrong way because from past months, the driver - our Government - has not demonstrated much effort on citizen's participation.

PPWK's agenda on achieving civil society and cultural think tank are to:

1. Request the Government to extend the consultation period indefinitely until all questions raised by the community are answered properly and publicly.
2. Form an advocacy plan via the formation of network of 800 via public forum, seminar, focus group and small group discussions.
3. Form a technical task force composed of professionals and experts on Culture, Urban Planning, Finance and Governance to re-examine and provide alternate recommendations to the IFP and West Kowloon Project.

Our Government has asked us to trust them. We are asking the same question. Please trust us.

The PPWK desperately need volunteers and any financial assistance to keep the movement going. Your support is most appreciated.

Danny Yung
PPWK Convener