Opinions Allowed -- as Long as They are Correct

Lee says opinions are allowed -- as long as they are right ones

Following Ming Pao's announcement that it will end publishing Zunzi's cartoons from Sunday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu today spelled out criticism of the government is still allowed.

However -- false, biased, misleading and/or defamatory information is not allowed.

"Responsible media must meet public expectations, social responsibilities and professional ethics," he said in a press conference.

Zunzi vows to keep publishing cartoons

But it is what the government deems is false, misleading and/or defamatory that is the problem.

For example last week a reporter asked Lee a question regarding the overhaul of the District Council elections following the 2019 protests.

He immediately chastised the reporter, saying the unrest four years ago should be called "black violence".

"First of all, it is not the 2019 protests. It is the black violence. It is the attempt to make Hong Kong independent and [an] attempt to cause disaster to Hong Kong society as a whole that we need to prevent," Lee said.

"I think that has been made very clear. we lived through that, and don't forget it. We have to bear that in mind so as to ensure that in the long run, the system will protect us from all this chaotic and harmful situation to arise again."

So there is no space for any discussion on the matter -- the government has set the tone and the narrative of what happened in 2019. No ifs, ands or buts.

No dissenting opinions are allowed. 

You have been warned.