Reform explained - in words of one language
If you can't speak Cantonese don't waste time backing the government's political reform package. The government doesn't want your support. Chief Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen made that clear at a press briefing on Monday. He couldn't be bothered to explain the reform proposals in English even when urged by the English-language media. That showed how much he cares about reaching out to the non-Cantonese-speaking community. If he doesn't care, should you? It's a crucial time for the reform package. The democrats plan to vote it down. The government needs all the help it can get. But not yours if you can't speak Cantonese. So ignore those 'Act Now' government adverts you see on English-language TV. If anyone asks why you're not pressuring your legislator to support the reform package, simply say Tang doesn't want your help.
When second best is good enough, for some
Henry Tang wouldn't explain the reform package in English but Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah couldn't even sell it in Cantonese to students. A third form pupil asked him why the government wasn't striving for the best package, settling for a B rather than an A. This is how Tsang replied: 'When I was a student I was very happy when I got a B, or even a pass.' So there you have it, straight from the man who manages the public's money. Forget about being an A student, mediocrity is just fine. That explains a lot about the performance of our government.
Spelling out the right approach
Take a look at this government envelope sent to us by a reader. We're guessing the bureaucrat responsible for the spelling was like John Tsang at school - thrilled with getting a B or even a pass. He probably never imagined he would end up getting something even better than an A - a government job with an iron rice bowl. But just so he knows, the right way to spell judiciary is: j-u-d-i-c-i-a-r-y.