A book sharing event for the biography “The Troublemaker” by Jimmy Lai was held on the evening of January 14th, at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. The author, Mark L. Clifford, urged people in the free world not to forget Jimmy Lai and the 7.5 million Hong Kongers who aspire for freedom and democracy, and to be wary of the global ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party.
“The Troublemaker” by Mark L. Clifford vividly chronicles the life of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, from rags to riches to becoming a prisoner of the CCP. The author explained that the title “The Troublemaker” comes from Jimmy Lai’s self-description, describing it as a form of “well-intentioned troublemaking.”
Dozens of people attended the book sharing event, where Clifford mentioned that Jimmy Lai has been imprisoned for over four years, mostly in solitary confinement. Clifford emphasized the harsh treatment the 77-year-old Jimmy Lai has endured, which by UN standards, constitutes torture.
In an interview with Hope Voice, Clifford praised Jimmy Lai not only for his tremendous business success but also for his extraordinary courage. He referred to Jimmy Lai as one of the bravest individuals he has ever known.
Clifford expressed concern that if the CCP does not release Jimmy Lai, he will choose to endure in prison. He highlighted Jimmy Lai’s steadfast beliefs that make him an exceptional figure and one of the most influential personalities in 21st-century China.
Clifford stressed the importance of remembering the courage of people like Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, who are simply striving to achieve the freedoms promised by the CCP. He underlined the significance of continuous global attention on the situation in Hong Kong and putting pressure on the CCP through legislative and political means.
Clifford emphasized that free individuals should pay attention to Jimmy Lai, as the erosion of Hong Kong’s open society serves as a dangerous warning signal of the CCP’s attempts to export such practices globally.
Clifford reminded everyone that the actions of the CCP in Hong Kong demonstrate their expansionist ambitions, extending from Hong Kong to Taiwan and gradually to other Asian countries, eventually aiming to expand worldwide.
He proposed that if the CCP wishes for Hong Kong to continue thriving and maintain its status as an international business hub, it must ease its suppression, including releasing Jimmy Lai and other political prisoners.
Clifford concluded by stating that there is still hope for Hong Kong, drawing parallels to the unexpected fall of the Berlin Wall. He highlighted the unpredictable nature of history and unforeseeable changes that witness moments of surprise.
The book sharing event also featured Michael Zielenziger, former Tokyo bureau chief of Knight Ridder newspaper group, known for his in-depth reporting on China, and Tiananmen Square protest participant Zhou Fengsuo. Zhou lauded Jimmy Lai’s courage and urged more people to purchase the book to raise awareness and support efforts for Jimmy Lai’s release.
Currently serving as the Chairman of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, Mark L. Clifford advocates for democracy, human rights, and rule of law in Hong Kong. He has held positions in various organizations and publications related to Asia and Hong Kong.
“The Troublemaker: How Jimmy Lai Became a Billionaire, Hong Kong’s Foremost Dissident, and China’s Most Feared Critic” by Mark L. Clifford, published by Free Press, consists of 288 pages priced at $28.99 in print, $14.99 for the Kobo e-book, and $39.99 for the CD version. For more information, visit the website: https://www.bookpassage.com/book/9781668027691 ◇