Tone down July 1 celebrations, Hong Kong lawmakers urge after deaths of two firemen
Across city’s political spectrum, calls to ‘consider the people’s feelings’
Since 1997, local authorities have annually organised on July 1 a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai and a reception at the nearby Convention and Exhibition Centre to celebrate the former British colony’s return to China.
People Power lawmaker Albert Chan Wai-yip told the Post he thought such activities should be cancelled this year.
“Last Friday, the Legislative Council postponed its fun day with journalists,” he said, adding that he believed officials should not attend such events.
Civic Party lawmaker Claudia Mo Man-ching echoed Chan’s concern and believed the Hong Kong flag should be flown at half mast on July 1. “Celebrations such as the reception should be avoided because two firemen were killed,” she said.
Their call was endorsed by the Federation of Trade Unions’ Chan Yuen-han, a lawmaker seen as relatively liberal-minded within the pro-establishment camp.
She said Hongkongers were “very upset” about the deaths of the two firefighters and that the government should “consider the people’s feelings” and adjust its plans accordingly.
The Chief Executive’s Office did not respond to the Post’s inquiry on the matter on Monday.
Chan’s view stood in contrast with that of Cheng Yiu-tong, an Executive Council member and honorary chairman of the union. Cheng also chairs the Celebrations Association, a body comprising pro-establishment members that organises handover anniversary activities.
Cheng previously said he had not decided whether to cut back on its activities. He could not be reached for comment on Monday.
Pro-Beijing group Voice of Loving Hong Kong is to organise a carnival outside the Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui on Friday, followed by a rally that is to proceed from there to Yau Ma Tei.
The group’s convenor Patrick Ko Tat-pun told the Post its activities would not be curtailed. “We respect what the firemen did, but it doesn’t mean the whole city must stop celebrating the handover,” he said.
