After the Cultural Revolution was launched, why did Cheng decide not to apply for a travel permit to Hong Kong?

Cheng decided after the Cultural Revolution was launched not to apply for a travel permit to Hong Kong. She knew that during a political movement government officials were reluctant to make decisions and that work in government departments usually slowed down. She also did not wish to risk a refusal. A refusal would go on her personal dossier that the police kept and might make future applications difficult.