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Not sure how many people still remember The Banquet in 1991, which featured a star-studded cast.
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The movie was conceived, filmed and completed in a remarkably short timeframe, making it the "selfless grand film of Hong Kong's entertainment industry."
Many prominent Hong Kong artistes worked on the film pro bono as it was primarily geared toward raising funds for relief efforts in the wake of the east China floods.
We have not produced any similar films since, the main reason for which is that China's economy has taken off. Even in the face of natural disasters, it no longer needs our assistance to raise funds.
Therefore, when Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the government is responsible for formulating policies, implementing initiatives and "setting the stage while writing the script," it is up to the various sectors in society to perform well.
The main actors in this play are the business community and entrepreneurs.
They are not mere spectators or critics - they must take proactive steps and translate words into actions.
One cannot help but wonder if a significant reason for their present indifference is their skepticism over whether following the government's "script" will lead to a successful outcome at the "box office."
When they believe the "film" they are making cannot recoup its costs, it is understandable that businesses will not take action, unless Hong Kong is currently in a state of emergency that requires mobilizing everyone, regardless of rewards or costs.
However, the SAR has consistently emphasized over the past year that we are transitioning from "chaos to governance and from governance to prosperity."
If Hong Kong is indeed thriving, it seems we are disinclined toward making a business equivalent of The Banquet.
Therefore, it is normal for them not to simply accept whatever script the government provides. Businesses want to invest in projects that align with their interests.
A patriotic star like Andy Lau Tak-wah does not accept a fee for every film, placing great importance on the quality of the script.
If the film turns out to be bad it can hurt his reputation and brand.
Lau has also got into situations where he invested his own funds in a film, only to face financial difficulties due to choosing the wrong partners, leading to legal disputes.
This shows that making a "film" isn't just about following a "script." Its quality and the partners' suitability are also key factors that must be taken into consideration.
Therefore, when the business community is not actively investing here and focusing instead on overseas opportunities, questions over whether they are patriotic or protective of Hong Kong are not the issue.
As major shareholders of publicly listed companies, people in business need to choose the best "script" to produce a "film" that is both critically acclaimed and commercially successful because they need to justify their actions to minority shareholders and the company.
Thus, when the SAR asks why investment is slowing down, the more pertinent question is why its "script" is less appealing compared to those of other countries and cities.
Unless it is the case that the SAR administration is currently asking for "donations" from the business community rather than their investment in Hong Kong's economy.
Andrew Wong is a veteran independent commentator
