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Regina Ip's comments raised concern at the Philippine consulate. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

I meant no offence, Regina Ip says as helpers plan protests over maids bedding bosses claims

 Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee has reassured domestic helpers that no discrimination or offence was intended over her earlier comments about Filipino maids having affairs with their expatriate bosses.

Executive councillor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee says she will be more careful about what she posts on the internet after her comments about domestic helpers sleeping with expatriate bosses sparked a public outcry, with two protests against her planned this week.

Ip, who is also a lawmaker, made the remarks yesterday after attending a ceremony at which she was awarded a prize for the website on which the controversial claims were posted.

"I will be more careful. Any unfortunate wording could be spread very quickly and cause widespread misunderstanding," she said after the ceremony, at which her site won gold prize in a category for lawmakers.

The competition was organised by the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation.

Ip sparked outrage last week when in an article in that was also published on her website and Facebook page she said she had received complaints from "foreign women" living in Discovery Bay that the government was "allowing Filipino domestic helpers to seduce their husbands". On Monday the Philippine consulate expressed concern over Ip's "unfortunate choice of words".

Ip's post was removed from Facebook. Photo: SCMP Pictures

"I am going to write to the Philippine consulate to clarity what I wrote. As to the Filipino community, I really wish to reassure them that no discrimination, no offence was intended," she said.

Ip also said that when the government lowered the minimum wage for helpers during a downturn some years ago, she spared her helper a cut.

"She continues to receive a level of salary higher than the minimum wage. I have only had two domestic helpers all my life. The current one has been working for me for 16 years. I have always treated her like a friend."

Eman Villanueva, spokesman for the Asia Migrants' Coordinating Body, said it was clear Ip's earlier comments were irresponsible. His group will protest outside Ip's Wan Chai office tomorrow and at Legco on Sunday.

Meanwhile, a group of helpers living in Discovery Bay who belong to a concern group for migrant workers complained to the Equal Opportunities Commission yesterday.

 

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: I'll be more careful on the internet now, Ip says
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