The virus may be gone but Hong Kong still suffers

BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents was broadcast on Thursday, 28 August, and Monday, 1 September, 2003.

Listen to the programme

Hong Kong may have been declared free of Sars, but the deadly spectre of the disease still hangs over the city.

Julian Pettifer investigated the damage inflicted by the outbreak on the people, economy and psyche of Hong Kong.

He heard criticism of the administration's handling of the crisis, and asked whether more diseases are likely to emerge from this infection hot zone in Southern China.

And with discontent over Sars rising, Hong Kong has discovered people power.

Vast street protests have forced the authorities to back down over a planned anti-subversion law.

Julian Pettifer asked if Hong Kong, once the pearl of Asia, can recover, or if it is terminally ill.

Reporter: Julian Pettifer
Producer: Jennie Walmsley
Editor: Hugh Levinson