Time magazine announced the results of its online poll for the 100 people who have had the most influence this year. Nathan Law Kwun-Chung, the former chairman of Demosisto, a disbanded democratic party in Hong Kong, took first place. This comes after the Hong Kong protesters won Time magazine’s 2019 Person of the Year reader poll.
A total of 4.7 million readers participated in this year’s Time magazine poll with Law receiving 3.8% of the votes putting him in first place. Time introduced Law as the youngest lawmaker in Hong Kong history and a prominent pro-democracy activist. After the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, he had to flee Hong Kong. Time magazine announced the full list of the 100 most influential people as selected by the editors on September 22.
After the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, activist Nathan Law Kwun-Chung had to flee Hong Kong. (Image: Studio Incendo via Flickr)
Law thanks Time magazine
Law expressed his gratitude for the support and connected with his supporters on Facebook. He commented: “Whether the Time editorial board selects Wong Chi-fung, Chow Ting Ting, Leung Tin-kei, or any other Hong Kong protester, the people of Hong Kong will support the winner. The winner will use the opportunity to expose the demands of the Hong Kong people to the world.”
Law continued: “I hope my twelve friends who are trapped in China can return to Hong Kong safely, and Democratic countries do what they can to safeguard democracy and stop the expansion of the authoritarian CCP [Chinese Communist Party]. I hope Hong Kong can recover when democracy is instituted. I hope all of the political prisoners can reunite with their families and those in exile can return to Hong Kong as soon as possible to enjoy skewered fish balls, a cup of milk tea, and a good dinner with their loved ones.”
“The final result of the vote is not that important. As long as I can breathe I will continue to speak up for justice in Hong Kong. When the Hong Kong people voted for me to be their legislator four years ago, I pledged to serve the Hong Kong people, not tyranny. That solemn promise will never change.”
Law has pledged to continue to speak up for justice in Hong Kong. (Image: Studio Incendo via Flickr)
American democracy watchdog group Freedom House presented the Freedom House Annual Awards on September 16. The “Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Movement” was one of the three award-winning entities. Law was present to accept the award on behalf of the Hong Kong people. In his speech, he expressed his wish that more people would learn about the Hong Kong protests and they would continue to gain world attention. He also emphasized that the struggle is ongoing, and there are still many people fighting for democracy in Hong Kong.
Translated by Joseph Wu and edited by Helen and David Jirard
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