Disclaimer
In the dying years of the 1980s the political system of Hong Kong was undergoing changes as outlined in a Joint Declaration, that crucial document based on an agreement between the governments of the People’s Republic of China and Her Majesty’s Government in London that would return sovereignty over the territory after 150 years of British rule.
At the same time, aggravating an already tense situation, there was a huge influx of Vietnamese boat people that was taxing the Administration and legislators alike. A financial crisis did erupt as described.
There was at the pertinent time an Office of Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils (Omelco) and there is an excellent English language newspaper the South China Morning Post.
Hong Kong did at the time have all the relevant government officials referred to, though not those mentioned by name here, and since the reversion to Chinese sovereignty the territory’s civil service has undergone changes to its structure.
The author has invented all the officials in this work; they bear no resemblance to real people, and if they do it is mere coincidence.
Martin Lee is, however, very real. He did make the statements attributed to him in these pages – but only those attributed to him directly. His supporters mentioned by name also are real.
Hong Kong is a vibrant city that is rightly the envy of much of the world. Its people are honest, hardworking. If there is anything, therefore, in this work that denigrates them in any way it is sincerely regretted. They deserve only admiration.
The same applies to the territory’s Administration. It would be disappointing if the reader was to draw any unfair conclusions. Like the everyday people of Hong Kong they do their utmost for the wellbeing of the territory and its inhabitants.
And as everyone knows Hong Kong is a successful Special Administrative Region of China, has an enviable rule of law record, and remains a major economic power.
Yet, the reader is reminded, the Catskinner is a work of fiction.