Chan Ho-tin, a former student of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, announced the establishment of the Hong Kong National Party at a press conference Monday. Chan set top agenda of the National Party as building an independent and free Hong Kong Republic. Other items include abolishing the Basic Law.

According to Chan, the Hong Kong National Party has dozens of members, most of whom are in their 20s. He also claimed they would use whatever means, including violence, in order for their views to be heard.

This is the first independence-oriented political party in Hong Kong. It came out with much dubious clamor, which made it appear more like a prank from these young people.

While the political party has mostly met criticism and jeers from local public opinion, the exposure is exactly what they sought.

Extreme ideas are emerging in Hong Kong, but establishing a Hong Kong National Party is taking it too far. In any diversified society, there will be a small number of people in that category whose leaders can make their names well-known in public opinion by voicing extreme ideas.

Hong Kong independence is a fake proposition without any possibility of realization. But people making the proposal are actually seeking the public spotlight. Compared with the position of moderate democrats, it is much easier to achieve instant fame by proposing an extreme idea.

This extreme political party has not been registered yet in Hong Kong. Local public opinion deemed it may not be able to get legal registration since its principles are in severe confrontation with the Basic Law and the Constitution of the People's Republic of China.

It is under debate in Hong Kong whether advocacy for independence should be protected by freedom of speech.

But in the legal circle, the consensus is that turning illegal ideas into action is not related to freedom of speech and therefore should result in legal consequences. Thus the public is pessimistic about the prospects of this new political party.

It seems that Chan, a former Occupy Central participant, is trying to become a "professional politician." Amid a hot political atmosphere in Hong Kong, young people compete to be "democratic" radicals. This may be attributed to a lack of exciting career prospects, as compared with technology and business innovation, politics is much easier and more appealing for young people.

From democratic radicalism to localism, extremism is increasingly eroding the basis of Hong Kong's rule of law. Radicalism has little effect on China's "one country, two systems" policy, but will disrupt Hong Kong's social governance and harm its reputation as a law-abiding society.

Political radicalism is diverting more attention from the city. Despite its scant influence, "independence" may be used as an excuse to stir up further troubles.

We hope Hong Kong's mainstream society is strong and mature enough to handle these political hooligans. Initiatives should be taken to prevent radicals from harming the normal functions of society.