Ming Pao staff demand to know why editor Kevin Lau was replaced

More than 90 per cent of Ming Pao's 270-strong editorial staff have signed a petition demanding an explanation from management of the expected appointment of a Malaysian journalist to replace Kevin Lau Chun-to as chief editor, amid fears that the newspaper's editorial independence is under threat.

Ming Pao insiders yesterday revealed that Chong Tien-siong, the former chief editor of Nanyang Siang Pau, is the front runner to succeed Lau. Last night Chong said he had no comment to make when asked whether he was taking up the post.

Earlier, about 30 staff members from the Chinese-language newspaper gathered outside its offices in Chai Wan to read out the petition. They urged management to convene face-to-face talks with staff and to promise to uphold the existing editorial principles of Ming Pao.

The Ming Pao Group responded that it would meet its editorial management this week for "direct communication and an explanation". The statement added that it appointed senior staff based on talent and regardless of their nationalities.

The Ming Pao staff concern group criticised the management's arrangement, saying all editorial staff, instead of only high-end editors, should be allowed to join the staff meeting

Lau, appointed the paper's chief editor in 2012, confirmed on Monday that he would be assuming a new position within Ming Pao Group's electronic books and teaching materials division.

"Our editorial colleagues find the news shocking and incomprehensible," said Sin Wan-kei, a member of the newly established Ming Pao staff concern group.