Can the term ‘cockroach’ actually be a compliment for Hong Kong protesters? Officers from police’s public relations unit contradict each other on pesky issue
- Team member says on TV show that insect is resilient and can survive under difficult conditions
- But senior colleague admits at press conference such language from the force is not ideal
A member of Hong Kong police’s public relations unit has said the use of the word “cockroach” by officers to describe anti-government protesters should not be over-interpreted as it could actually be a compliment – a claim later contradicted by his senior who admitted the term was “not ideal”.
Speaking on the RTHK programme “Hong Kong Connection” on Monday, Chief Inspector Tam Yu-hei was referring to insults traded between police and demonstrators in the months-long social unrest roiling the city.
“Aren’t cockroaches full of vitality and can survive in times of difficulties?” Tam argued. He also cited the term “dog” used by protesters on officers.
“We may see it as police being loyal and obedient,” Tam said, concluding that his colleagues in the force were very professional and had vowed not to be hostile towards anyone.
However, at a regular press briefing on the same day, Superintendent Kwok Ka-chuen, Tam’s senior from the Police Public Relations Branch, conceded: “It is not ideal to label a group of people as cockroaches,” echoing earlier views from the police top brass.