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It was another day for  the so-called 'Post-80s' protesters - those disenchanted youth  born in the 1980s -  to make their latest statement against the government. 
This time the venue was the Youth Summit, co-organised by the Home Affairs Bureau and the Commission on Youth, where government officials and the public were supposed to come together to share opinions and discuss government policy.
However, the biggest stir was caused by a man who threw a pair of sports shoes at acting Chief Executive Henry Tang Ying-yen, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing and Commission on Youth chairman Bunny Chan Chung-bun, who were opening the event in Chai Wan.
The  incident reminded the audience of the Iraqi reporter who threw his shoes at former US president George Bush in December 2008. 
While yesterday's shoe-thrower was being dragged away, he shouted for the government to support a minimum wage. 
Police would not reveal his identity as he was not charged. 
The man  later said he was jobless for nine months and angered by the government's inaction in helping youths find jobs.
The former  computer repairman added he chose to act in this manner because he believed using foul language in public was inappropriate. 
Before the summit began, about 30 people from several youth groups gathered outside the building where it was held, waving banners and chanting that the forum was a 'fake consultation' and that 'young people's opinions are being neglected'. 
As soon as Tang left the building after the summit, the protesters blocked his passage and demanded to speak to him. However, Tang managed to get into his car while police scuffled with the protesters.
One protester, Anson Wong Hin-wai, lay in front of Tang's car in an attempt to block him from leaving, but was forcibly removed by the police and security guards.
More than 20 officers had to clear a path before Tang could leave. 
'I want government officials to listen to young people seriously. We need communication,' Wong, 21, said. 
During the summit, two youths posed as reporters to get close to the officials to voice their demands, but were caught.  
'The topics being discussed at this summit are not those that any young person would be interested in,' protester Au Yiu-pong said.
Another protester, Kong Kwai-sang, said he was disappointed with the summit because it was not a useful venue for  young people to voice their opinions.
'The summit focuses on the role of young people,' he said. 'It mainly tells young people how to behave. It neglects the difficulties faced by young people. This is just a forum for parents to lecture children.' 
 Chan said they were keen on having a dialogue with the  young and the summit was to provide an opportunity for them to voice their opinions directly to government officials. 
Tang answered questions about the trial voluntary drug-testing scheme, air pollution problems in Hong Kong, and the challenges arising from an ageing population.
When asked for his opinions on post-'80s issues, he said: 'We respect the opinions of everyone. We encourage people to respect each other, to be tolerant and help each other. We are seeking common ground while reserving differences. This is the culture of Hong Kong. We should respect and treasure it.' 
He made no mention of whether he believed shoe-throwing would become part of the culture.



Shoes thrown at Tang at youth summit