Carrie Lam throws support behind college that removed two students from graduation ceremony over anthem disrespect

Hong Kong’s leader praises principal for handling of duo who refused to stand, saying such behaviour ‘should not be tolerated’

Reading Time:2 minutes

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam expresses support for the Hong Kong College of Technology. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 7:34am, 19 Dec 2017Updated: 8:53am, 19 Dec 2017

Hong Kong’s leader on Monday weighed in on the brewing row over two college students being kicked out of their graduation ceremony for refusing to stand for the national anthem, affirming the school’s handling of the case.

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said any act of disrespecting the national anthem “should not be tolerated” in the city, adding that the government would soon launch a consultation on the introduction of a local version of the anthem law.

Officials are aiming for a draft legislation to be tabled to the Legislative Council next year.

Lam was speaking to the press after officiating the Hong Kong Awards for Industries event at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

Chan Cheuk-hay (left) told the students their school ‘loves the country and Hong Kong’. Photo: Handout

“I note that during a recent graduation ceremony at the Hong Kong College of Technology, there was a very small number of students showing disrespect for the national anthem. I fully affirm the involvement of principal Chan Cheuk-hay and his way of handling the issue,” Lam said.