ABSTRACT
As a modern pluralistic metropolis, Hong Kong society enjoys a high level of freedom but a limited degree of democracy. The society is largely stable but not free from a mix of manifest and latent social conflicts. How public opinion can be communicated effectively thus constitutes a major concern for local political leaders and academics. During his quest for a second term of office in 2002, the Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa, repeatedly emphasized the need to improve the government’s understanding of and responsiveness to public opinion. Even without a full-fledged democracy, the idea of ‘government by public opinion’ had already taken root in Hong Kong’s political culture and public discourse.
