Pro-Establishment, National Education-Supporter to Replace Editor-in-Chief of Ming Pao, Colonial-era Papers Unveil the City’s Past and Dog Poisonings on Lamma
A Blow to Press Freedom
Chinese-language newspaper Ming Pao has announced plans to replace its editor-in-chief Kevin Lau Chun-to, possibly with pro-establishment, national education-supporting Malaysian editor Chong Tien-siung. Former employees at Ming Pao believe that Lau was asked to leave following the paper’s extensive coverage of the HKTV saga. In response to a petition signed by 90 percent of the staff, demanding an explanation, the management said the decision hasn’t been finalized. The news comes amid increasing concern over press freedom: a recent Chinese University study finds that the public’s trust in the media is at an all-time low. More than half of Hong Kong’s media owners are members of the main political assemblies in China.
Our take: Kudos to Ming Pao’s journalists for standing up to their bosses.
Colonial-era Papers Unveil the City’s Past
The UK’s National Archives have released classified papers dating back to 1984, some of which refer to Hong Kong’s reunification with China. According to the papers Zhou Nan, Beijing’s representative at the negotiations, criticized the UK for turning the city into a politically independent state. It also criticized suggestions such as setting up Hong Kong’s own army. On the other hand, the British government shelved proposals to let Hongkongers elect their own leader. In an interesting twist, HKU’s student council uncovered a 1984 letter from Zhao Ziyang, China’s then-Premier, who promised that Hong Kong would have democracy after the handover.
Our take: Sounds like an awesome plot for an action thriller.
Dog Poisonings on Lamma
There have been four suspected cases of malicious dog poisoning on Lamma island since December. The police have records of at least 17 similar cases since 2011—and yet there hasn’t been a single prosecution. The police have promised to increase patrols and strengthen investigations, but residents think that more can be done. The most dog common poison is Paraquat, a herbicide for which there is no antidote once it enters the system.
Our take: How many more tragedies will it take before the culprits are brought to justice?