‘Stay vigilant even in peace,’ Hong Kong rural leader says in Lunar New Year prophecy

Hong Kong must stay vigilant in times of peace and drive innovation in economic development, according to a prophecy drawn by the city’s top rural leader during an annual Lunar New Year ritual.

Kenneth Lau Ip-keung, chairman of powerful rural body the Heung Yee Kuk, drew a “neutral” stick for Hong Kong at Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin on the second day of the Year of the Horse on Wednesday and offered his interpretation of the prophecy.

The No 22 fortune stick drawn by Lau read: “Do not get close to a wooden man; judge people by their good and evil deeds. Never forget righteousness when seeing benefits and beware of non-benevolence in the midst of benevolence.”

Lau offered his interpretation of the prophecy after the ceremony, calling on the city to remain vigilant amid complex geopolitical tensions.

“We need to be more meticulous and careful in our work. We can only achieve good results by thinking with our hearts,” Lau said. “We must always stay vigilant, even in peacetime, because the international situation is complex.”

He added that Hong Kong must avoid being fusty and conservative, urging the city to embrace innovation, particularly in the Northern Metropolis megaproject.

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‘Stay vigilant even in peace,’ Hong Kong rural leader says in Lunar New Year prophecy

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