Political Animal

Tiananmen sculptor's gift for the government

Amid outrage sparked by recent claims from some pro-Beijing students at the University of Hong Kong - who among other things said 'not a single drop of blood was shed' during the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown - Danish sculptor-cum-human-rights activist Jens Galschiot is back in action. The creator of the Pillar of Shame, which has been on display in the university since 1997 to commemorate those killed in the crackdown, has created two smaller art pieces to mark the 20th anniversary of the Beijing pro-democracy movement. Galschiot, who is writing to the Hong Kong government in advance of a planned trip to the city in the hope of avoiding a repeat of his experience last year when he was refused entry, plans to give one sculpture to the government for charity purposes. 'Perhaps they can sell it and use the money to support democracy movements in China,' he said.

Advice to English speakers comes 3 hours late

Is English, or more precisely the English-speaking community, becoming less important to the government? While a Chinese-language notice advising people to avoid non-essential travel to Bangkok was issued at 8.29pm on Sunday, an English version did not come out until 11.34pm. However, as the situation continued to worsen yesterday, the time lag was reduced, with an English-language press release warning against visiting Bangkok issued at 5.55pm, just a minute after one in Chinese. Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong, who was roundly criticised for his slow response in providing charter flights to rescue Hongkongers from similar unrest in the Thai capital late last year, has sought to head off another attack this time. 'We won't rule out charter flights,' he told a hastily convened media briefing.

Greg So played the wrong card, official says

Deputy commerce and economic development minister Greg So Kam-leung was full of regret after being caught out for handing his name card to his domestic helper as proof of his income for her work permit renewal. He explained he had done so because he had not received his latest tax record. His account has baffled at least one senior government official, who said Mr So had other, better choices. 'He can make a copy of the electronic transaction record of his monthly salary,' the official said. 'He can also ask the bureau to provide a letter of proof of his income.'