Walking with the Solitary (2): Don’t Forget About Them

Raymond Chow 

Before February 9, Apple Daily founder and publisher Jimmy Lai was sentenced to twenty years in prison for violating Hong Kong’s National Security Law. The news left me deeply unsettled.

In 1990, Lai founded Next Magazine, and in 1995 he launched Apple Daily as a successful businessman entering the media industry. At the time, I was skeptical. I felt that when businessmen entered media, moral boundaries could easily blur. Some of the content and presentation style of those publications seemed sensationalist, designed primarily to boost sales.

Yet I had also heard that after the 1989 pro-democracy movement, Lai became convinced of the crucial role media plays in leading society toward democracy.

Gradually, Apple Daily became a driving force in Hong Kong’s democratic movement. My view of Lai shifted from dismissiveness to admiration. To promote democracy in Hong Kong meant standing in opposition to the Chinese government. That inevitably meant losing support from major corporations, turning the publication into a loss-making enterprise. (When I later founded Sameway Magazine, I personally experienced how difficult that path could be.)

Until the day Apple Daily was forced to close, Lai never abandoned his beliefs. Today, he has paid for them with his freedom. By the time of sentencing, he had already spent over 1,500 days in solitary confinement. One could say that from the moment he entered the media business, he became a lonely man — and for the next twenty years, he will continue to endure loneliness for the sake of his convictions.

Now 78 years old, he would be 96 upon release. Based on Hong Kong life expectancy tables, there is an estimated 83% chance he will die in prison. Unless some unforeseen political development leads to his release, it is almost certain that he will remain imprisoned for life.

My original contempt for him as a media businessman has turned into respect and reverence. He upheld the principle that media must monitor those in power and give voice to the people. He demonstrated to the world the responsibility of journalism in defending democracy and freedom. Anyone who takes on such a mission walks a difficult path and easily becomes lonely. That does not mean they love loneliness — only that they choose a road few are willing to take. I am certain that Jimmy Lai has already secured a place in history and will not be forgotten.

I remember reading, in my youth, the novel The Narrow Path by Susanna So, founder of Breakthrough Magazine. It encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in faith and walk closely with God on a difficult life path. Lai, a devout Catholic, is walking that narrow road.

In the previous issue, I mentioned that Joyful Organization and Sameway Magazine would launch a training program for bilingual high-functioning autistic youth, helping them prepare to enter the workforce. I deeply understand that autistic individuals who experience isolation still have the right to pursue their dreams and contribute to society. If their different way of living prevents them from finding suitable employment or cooperating with others at work, depriving them of opportunities to develop their potential, that becomes another kind of invisible bondage.

Parents of autistic children often struggle with uncertainty. Many of these young people complete secondary or university education but discover they lack the communication and collaboration skills needed in the workplace. As a result, they are confined to simple, low-skill jobs requiring minimal interaction — or they are rejected outright. This leaves parents feeling disappointed and helpless.

Rejoice established this training program to support this overlooked group.

In this issue’s special feature on “Thriving Kids”, which discusses policies for supporting children with autism, I specifically note that the article was written by a colleague who has autism. In fact, since mid-last year, many of our current affairs features have been written by participants in this training program. Seeing its success, we plan to offer similar training opportunities to four or five more young people in the coming six months.

I have also completed a new book, Alone but Not Lonely, which is currently being crowdfunded for publication. Readers who wish to support it may visit the relevant webpage. If you are interested in the training program and would like more information, please contact me at raymond@sameway.com.au.

For those interested in the program, contact raymond@sameway.com.au or 0422 871 799 for more details.

Mr. Raymond Chow