Police said they were investigating the case. A detailed report will be submitted to the Coroner's Court, which will decide if an inquest is necessary. Responding to ethnic groups' concerns about the lack of an independent, fair investigation, government officials reiterated that they should have confidence and trust in the independent judiciary. An inquest looks certain to be held, one said.

Separately, writer-cum-radio-host Chip Tsao was roundly criticised by the Philippines government and community after he was accused of being racist in a 'Politically Incorrect' column published in HK Magazine. In a political satire on the surge of patriotism among Chinese over territorial issues, he wrote that the Philippines, which he described as a 'nation of servants', should not challenge a nation as powerful as China over claims to the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

Tsao offered a personal, formal apology to Philippine consulate officials and groups on Wednesday, stressing 'it was not my intention to upset or insult the Philippine people and their nation'.

The two cases seem unrelated; the fact that both caused a stir perhaps reflects the depths of feelings of being discriminated against among some ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.

True, there have been enormous efforts to promote racial harmony through policies, provision of services and publicity. With such values as equality, harmony and diversity ingrained in society, racial discrimination has become increasingly unacceptable.

In a development of both symbolic and substantive significance, a racial discrimination law has been enacted. Some political parties have formed separate teams to reach out to ethnic minorities, to address their specific concerns.

The reactions of the two major ethnic communities to the recent controversies are a result, at least in part, of their long-held feelings of being unfairly treated in daily life.

For instance, Filipino maids have complained of unfairness in the government's levy policy. And local Nepali people have expressed concern about being targeted by police in street searches.

Understandably, Nepalis' fears about discrimination grew after certain members of the media and public appeared, initially, to be more sympathetic to the plight of the officer who shot the Nepali man.

Such thinking does not necessarily stem from a deep-seated bias against Nepali people. But it gives an insight into the stereotypical images of Nepali people in some people's subconsciousness.

Last week's rally is a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant about, and sensitive towards, the feelings of others over issues which touch on ethnicity.

That will prove to be much easier said than done, but such a mindset is vital in order to foster a sense of togetherness and to promote a multicultural and cosmopolitan city.

Chris Yeung is the Post's editor-at-large.