Brian Kan
A man who says what he thinks
By Sally Yip
According to Mr. Ken, university students nowadays are not as good as before. Brian Kan says Tung Chee Hwa is the best person for the second term of chief executive. Apart from being a well-known horse trainer, Brian Kan Ping Chee, 64, is the chairman of Sheung Shui Rural Committee and an ex officio member of the North District Council.
His viewpoints on current issues are always unique.
"Though many people are speaking against Tung Chee Hwa, I have always supported him," said Mr. Kan.
He thinks that Mr. Tung is still the best person for the second-term chief executive.
"After 1997, Hong Kong is part of China. It is crucial to have good communication with the Chinese government.
"The Beijing leaders trust Mr. Tung and this helps things run smoother and better," he said.
Mr. Kan also said Mr. Tung's platform is satisfactory.
"I have visited many countries before, such as England and America.
"Compared to them, Hong Kong is truly democratic.
"Many people are worried about the contiuation of freedom of speech after 1997.
"But now they still enjoy it."
Despite the high unemployment rate, which has been fluctuating at around 6 percent, Mr. Kan said the economy is understandable and forgivable.
"Mr. Tung has already introduced many remedies.
"We should not demand too much from him.
"His efforts count," said he.
Moreover, he thinks that Mr. Tung's welfare policies are praiseworthy.
Mr. Kan has been living in the North District for more than 20 years and has always been in touch with the elderly. "I feel that most of them are satisfied with the current welfare policies. They seldom make complaints.
"If 100 were the full mark, I would give 70 to 80 marks to Mr. Tung's welfare policies."
Mr. Kan urged Hong Kong citizens to give their full support to Mr. Tung.
"Undoubtedly, it is difficult to be the chief executive," he said.
"He has already been working very hard for Hong Kong in the past 4 years.
"He has taken most of the blame for other people's mistakes, but he has not been credited with the success he achieved."
Nevertheless, Mr. Kan believes that Mr. Tung needs to improve in some respects.
"He should change his image," he said. "He is too kind and lenient."
He said Mr. Tung has been spending too much time on consultation and this only wastes time and decreases efficiency.
He also shares his views on the essential criteria of a competent chief executive.
"He should never be too kind, but should never abuse his power to benefit himself.
"Sometimes he has to be democratic, but sometimes he also has to be authoritative."
Mr. Kan said an ideal chief executive should follow the virtues of ancient Chinese emperors. He should be down-to-earth.
"He should give unofficial visits to the public so that he can develop a more precise understanding of his people," Mr. Kan said.
However, Mr. Kan repeats that Mr. Tung should be more authoritative. "He should hold firm to his principles and viewpoints.
"He is the head of all. His officials are bound to listen to him," said he.
Mr. Kan said Mr. Tung's officials are uncooperative.
"They just keep criticizing the government with no solutions suggested.
He said Lo Cheung On, senior special assistant in the Chief Executive's Office, is a good model of obedience.
"Though many people think that Mr. Lo is dishonest and untrustworthy, his loyalty to Mr. Tung should be followed,"Mr. Kan said. "He never speaks against Mr. Tung.
"However, few officials have this loyalty.
"The existence of this group of uncooperative officials is an explanation for Mr. Tung's failures in implementing policies."
One failure of Mr. Tung's administration is particularly disappointing -- the education system.
What worries him is the declining English standard of students.
He explained that Hong Kong is an international city and, therefore, good command of English is a necessity.
"If 100 were the full mark, his education policy would get as low as 30 points."
"English should always remain as the language of instruction."
Mr. Kan also criticized the falling standards of local university students.
"University students are important assets of the future.
"However, I feel that their knowledge is inferior to that of students in my years. They are not critical enough, " he said.
Besides, Mr. Kan said students nowadays spend too much time having fun and too little time studying.
"Most of them are just students who do not have a job.
"But they spend a lot of money buying unnecessary things before they can actually make a living."
Moreover, students cannot handle pressure, and they respond by taking their own lives out of despair.
To ease the problem, he gave some advice to young people nowadays.
Said he: "Life is yours. Treasure your life.
"If you are depressed or disappointed, talk to your parents.
"I am sure they are always willing to offer unlimited help.
"Remember, never give up easily."
Despite their diminishing standards, Mr. Kan believes that university students are still the elite groups in society.
"Develop your own insights and uphold them," he advised university students.
"Take me as an example.
"As you know, I am famous for my straightforwardness. I always speak my mind.
"I admit that my views on many issues are different from others. Some even think that my views are odd and that I am arrogant.
"But I insist on upholding my views. This is my character.
"As long as I think it is right, I do not regret my decisions."
