Removing ‘non-factual’ and ‘misleading’ content a responsible act, Hong Kong security chief says after newspaper axes Zunzi cartoons
- Ming Pao expresses gratitude to cartoonist for contributions over past 40 years, but offers no explanation behind decision to pull comic strips from May 14
- Strips have recently sparked backlash from government ministers, who have accused artist of making misleading remarks and stoking public ill will
Hong Kong’s security chief on Thursday said a major local newspaper had made a responsible decision to stop publishing “non-factual” and “misleading” content that smeared the government.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung was responding to an announcement from Chinese-language daily Ming Pao that it would pull the plug on two controversial cartoon series by local artist Zunzi from Sunday, ending the illustrator’s 40 years of contributions to the publication amid accusations of bias by city officials.
Tang also accused the Hong Kong Journalists Association of smearing the government by claiming authorities rejected all public criticism.
The newspaper offered no explanation for its decision to drop both series by the cartoonist, whose real name is Wong Kei-kwan.
Known for creating political cartoons that attract readers by blending humour with criticism of current issues, Wong’s two daily columns comprised a series of single illustrations and a three-panel comic strip.
“[The columns] will be stopped from May 14. Ming Pao thanks Zunzi for witnessing the changing times with us over the past 40 years,” the newspaper wrote.