The announcement was controversial. Critics complained of the lack of consultation. Others view the museum as an effort to increase Beijing's influence in Hong Kong and as a "political scheme" to foment patriotism. This follows a year of political turmoil in Hong Kong surrounding Beijing's encroachment on the territory's rights and freedoms, including civil unrest in Mong Kok, government disqualification of certain candidates prior to the Legislative Council election, demonstrations in front of the Liaison Office in Sai Wan, and the ousting of democratically elected pro-independence legislators.