Legislator's rude gesture continues to rankle
Public anger intensified yesterday over the vulgar gesture pro-government legislator Philip Wong Yu-hong made at protesters on Wednesday night, amid fresh moves by the Legislative Council to examine the incident.
David Chu Yu-lin, the chairman of the Committee on Members' Interests, yesterday confirmed that the committee would discuss the issue at its next meeting at the request of Democratic Party chairman Yeung Sum.
'Generally, the individual conduct of members is not within the scope of our committee's work, but as somebody has suggested discussing it, we will do so at our next meeting,' Mr Chu said.
The gesture made by Mr Wong, the chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, sparked a public outcry after it was broadcast live on television.
A grinning Mr Wong was seen raising the middle finger of his right hand at the window of a government minibus taking him through the 50,000-strong crowd that joined a peaceful protest against the Article 23 legislation.
His apology the next day, in which he said that his behaviour was only a response to a protester who made the same gesture, was not enough to appease the public. By yesterday, 218 complaints had been received by the Broadcasting Authority, while Legco's complaints and public information divisions received 351 calls about the incident.
According to Rule 73 (1d) of Legco's rules of procedure, a member should ensure that his conduct does not bring discredit upon Legco and must not place himself in a position contrary to the generally assumed standard of conduct expected of a member.
Despite Mr Wong's conduct, he will still receive the Gold Bauhinia Star this year - the second-highest award the post-handover Hong Kong government can confer 'in recognition of his distinguished public and community service'.
