Ming Pao Closes in Canada

Ming Pao will print its last edition on January 17

The media landscape in Canada continues to shrink with Ming Pao announcing it was winding down operations in Vancouver and Toronto due to financial reasons, with the last day of publication on January 17.

My dad was very upset to see the headline stating this on the front page of the Ming Pao paper on January 12.

Sing Tao (below) is available online

That was the same day employees based in the two cities were given termination letters that were sent by the parent company in Hong Kong.

"Staff in Canada were informed by management that the decision to cease operations and halt publication was made by the Hong Kong headquarters," the notice said. Sixty employees are affected.

Ming Pao was the only Chinese-language print newspaper after Sing Tao ceased printing its Canadian edition in August 2022, though a digital version still continues. 

Started in 1993, Ming Pao also published a weekly magazine that covered Hong Kong's entertainment scene, and a food publication featuring recipes from the city's well-known Chinese and western chefs.

For many Chinese immigrants, Ming Pao and Sing Tao were papers they depended on for news from a Hong Kong and China point of view. They also covered stories that were focused on Asia that would rarely make it in western media, and gave practical advice on settling down to newcomers to Canada.

Ming Pao's food magazine

People like my dad are newspaper readers, so used to touching newsprint, and in his case, likes to cut out articles in the paper, and sometimes shares them with friends. 

We used to subscribe to both papers and when Sing Tao stopped its print edition, he was encouraged to read it online, but that it is not something he is comfortable doing. 

It's a pity to see fewer media outlets operating, which means less information being disseminated and fewer opportunities for the media to hold others, particularly governments to account. And with Ming Pao closing, that means only Sing Tao is left to be the voice of the Chinese community in Canada.

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.

Ming Pao to Stop Publishing Zunzi Cartoons

Ming Pao ends its 40-year run publishing Zunzi cartoons

The Hong Kong government has a thin skin when it comes to cartoons satirising its policies, and this has led to Ming Pao ending its 40-year association with cartoonist Zunzi. The Chinese newspaper announced it would end running the political cartoons on May 14.

Zunzi, whose real name is Wong Kei-kwan, contributed two daily cartoons to the paper, one of a single illustration, the other a three-panel comic strip. They mostly poked fun at current affairs, and it seems since John Lee Ka-chiu became Chief Executive last July, he and his administration have criticised the cartoons.

On district council overhaul

Most recently, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen slammed a cartoon published on Tuesday that referred to the city's district council overhaul. It depicted a man telling a woman that representatives would be selected "as long as their superior deems them suitable", even if they failed all exams and health checks.

Mak, who is involved in the overhaul, said the cartoon was "distortive" and "unethical", and accused Wong of smearing the government's reputation.

Earlier Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung condemned another cartoon by Wong, claiming he made misleading accusations and fostered public ill will against the authorities.

The cartoon depicted two people speculating that the government was actually reserving HK$20 billion (US$2.5 billion) from its budget to build prisons and hire correctional staff to target the public, after the authorities announced they would spend HK$5.2 billion to upgrade the police's information system in the coming year.

Wong declined to comment on why Ming Pao cut him loose. 

"The incident is part of the current 'Hong Kong story' in which people can see and feel, not the one the officials are talking about," Wong said, referring to the pledge by the government to promote a positive account of the city.

Zunzi says he will continue creating cartoons

He said he would continue to create cartoons but did not elaborate on which platform he would use. 

"There are various forms of creation. I appreciate other creators expressing their opinions in the ways they are good at and I will learn from them," Wong added.

Ming Pao said in a statement that said in part: "Ming Pao thanks Zunzi for witnessing the changing times with us over the past 40 years."

The paper's Ming Pao Staff Association expressed regret the artist's columns would no longer be featured in the publication.

"Apart from news reporting, the works of columnists are also part of the core value of Ming Pao. A diversified society should be inclusive of different voices," it wrote in a statement.

"We hope all sectors of the community will respect freedom of speech and protect the core values of Ming Pao, while maintaining social justice and kindness."

Zunzi's cartoon on Xi's plans for Hong Kong

Wong is no stranger to controversy, having riled up at least five government departments, including the police and Security Bureau. His cartoons were once banned in Macau and Singapore more than 20 years ago.

In an interview with AFP in 2000, Wong said "jokes can be very dangerous".

"The powerful try to... make the masses believe there is no one else but them to follow," he said.

"Jokes can quickly pierce through all this and nail the lies. They can drag the powerful down from their thrones."

Suspended Students Leads to Firestorm over Cartoon

Zunzi's cartoon sparked complaints from the police

The Education Bureau has told St Francis Xavier's school in Tsuen Wan to submit a report that resulted in 14 students being suspended for apparently disrespecting China's anthem and emblem when they failed to turn up for the flag-raising ceremony.

One of the students said he was confused by the punishment as suspensions are reserved for students who smoke on campus or get caught in a fight.

"Although I'm back at school now, I have no idea why I was punished," he said.

St Francis Xavier School in Tsuen Wan

The student said that morning they were eating breakfast in the school playground when the anthem started playing.

He began walking over when he heard the anthem but was stopped by the principal who told the students they were suspended and ordered to pack up their things and leave.

"How could you decide this before having any evidence? Everyone in Form Six is racing against time doing past [exam] papers. Have you considered us before suspending us?" asked another student.

In a letter to parents, the school said the 14 students were suspended for "breaking school rules" because they had failed to turn up for assembly.

The flag-raising ceremony is mandated to be held on a weekly basis. 

Some lawmakers said the punishment may have been too harsh, but still felt the students were in the wrong.

But others had another opinion.

Leo Chu Tsz-lok, the education affairs spokesman for the Democratic Party, urged authorities to review the manner in which the school had handled the incident.

Zunzi's caricature self-portrait

"You can't boost one's patriotism by punishing [students]. While there are guidelines from education authorities on the flag-raising ceremony, students should not be taken to task at every turn just for some minor and careless mistakes."

Political cartoonist Zunzi made a mockery of the incident in a political cartoon, but was admonished by the police for painting them in a bad light.

The cartoon shows riot police arriving at a school, with one officer asking a bespectacled woman: "What bad things have the students done today, headmistress Chan?" The woman lists the infringements -- using foul language, stealing an eraser, bringing along a laser pen, and talking back to the teacher.

He wanted to show the absurdity of the situation, but the police took exception and complained to Ming Pao. 

The police letter said the cartoon would mislead readers into thinking officers were called in to handle students who showed "disrespect" for the flag-raising ceremony.

The letter added the cartoon's content was "not factual" and would not only "damage the force's reputation", but also "harm the force's relations with citizens".

For the most part relations were damaged back in 2019... sending this letter showed how desperate the force is to defend its reputation, and that it didn't have a sense of humour.

Zunzi denied he was criticising the force, but instead asking for teachers to be more lenient on disciplinary matters.

The brouhaha over the cartoon made the force look even more thin-skinned and emphasised the absurdity of the school's punishment of the students.

Luckily Zunzi is not in Hong Kong anymore, but still, can no one take a joke these days?

Young People Leaving in Droves

Ming Pao's chart showing departure statistics

There is further evidence that a slew of young people have left Hong Kong for good.

Political economist and sociologist Hung Ho-fung posted a chart from Ming Pao listing the various age groups and how many have departed Hong Kong from December 2021 and June this year.

No surprise those in the 15 to 19 years group and 20 to 24 years group have seen the biggest departures at 11.8 percent and a whopping 23.4 percent respectively.

This is only a short time period and he believes there will be many more sending underaged kids overseas for school or fresh grads leaving this summer (that ends labour day, September 5 in North America).

He sarcastically adds: "I bet most of them have left for the great opps [opportunities] in the Greater Bay Area. Horray!"

Other age groups saw a drop:

25-29 (8.6 percent)

30-34 (2.1 percent)

35-39 (5.2 percent)

But for those 40 and older, that age group somehow increased.

40-44 (0.9 percent)

50-54 (4.5 percent)

60-64 (4.5 percent)

65 and above (12.5 percent)

In time we will find out where all these people have gone in the respective countries' census counts, and Canada is now more sensitive about finding out exactly where all the ethnically Chinese people came from, including an option for Hong Kong and mother tongue as Cantonese.

The Hong Kong government cannot frame this as a minor or temporary blip. These are permanent moves by people who are voting with their feet and wanting to have a better life elsewhere even if it means a big sacrifice of leaving the city they love so much.

Protest-Free Visit

Xi, Peng will arrive at the railway station, closed since 2020

As July 1 edges closer, security around Hong Kong for President Xi Jinping's visit seems to have stepped up mainland style.

Whenever there are sensitive anniversaries coming up on the mainland, dissidents or critics of the government are usually rounded up and sent on a "holiday" for a few days -- escorted of course.

Or they are held under house arrest in their own homes.

The railway station is being decorated

It seems this practice has been imported to Hong Kong.

Earlier today Avery Ng Man-yuen, former chairman of the League of Social Democrats, one of the last pro-democracy groups still active in Hong Kong reported that some members, including himself were under "constant surveillance" by police. 

He said he was monitored by the police and some officers were stationed near his home. 

Ng wrote on social media on Wednesday that he was "imprisoned", without further details. He later clarified he was not under house arrest and that he was fine.

"Sorry I am imprisoned," Ng's original post read. "Those who understand would understand."

Nevertheless he later clarified to some media that he and other members were under "constant surveillance", but could not say much more.

Ng says he is under police surveillance

"It is obvious that right now in Hong Kong, basic personal freedom is not protected," said Ng, who was released from prison on April 30 after serving 14 months and 14 days on protest-related charges.

Ming Pao reported on Monday that former LSD chairman Raphael Wong Ho-ming said police searched his home and those of seven others in the group. The police also questioned them on what their plans were for July 1.

On Tuesday LSD announced they would not hold any protest marches on Friday after some volunteers met with officers from the national security police.

But the police would not confirm the meeting was held, and that its operations were conducted "on the basis of actual circumstances and according to the law."

LSD used to hold protest marches like this one

With protests pre-empted this year, it will be the first time there is no sign of dissent on July 1 in a long time.

Xi will be pleased.

Where's the Freedom to Report on July 1?

Who will report on the July 1 events after 10 media rejected?

Now that we've established that Chinese President Xi Jinping will come to Hong Kong for two days, but not staying overnight and in nearby Shenzhen instead, who will be covering the grand milestone of 25 years since the handover?

Hardly any media for hardly any good reason.

Media organisations had to be invited to attend the July 1 flag-raising ceremony and swearing-in ceremony for the next Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

Lee claimed press freedom is in back pocket

But then suddenly today at least 10 outlets that had been invited were now rejected because of "security reasons". They include Ming Pao, HK01, South China Morning Post, Now News, Reuters, Bloomberg and Agence France-Presse.

While these media organisations have the option of sending alternate reporters, they must fulfil requirements of testing negative for Covid-19 from a PCR test everyday between last Sunday and July 1 which is impossible now.

It is strange that Ta Kung Pao was also rejected, a very pro-Beijing paper, which is why the Hong Kong Journalists' Association chairman Ronson Chan finds it "perplexing" that all these outlets were rejected regardless of their editorial policy.

"The HKJA expresses utmost regret over rigid reporting arrangements made by the authorities for such a major event," the press group said.

"[C]iting a vague reason for rejection seriously undermines press freedom in Hong Kong. The HKJA urges the authorities to make remedial arrangements and protect the right to report," it added.

Chan finds reporter rejections as "perplexing"

The group is referring to incoming leader Lee's claim that press freedom was a given.'

In April he said that press freedom was already in the "pocket" of all Hongkongers so it did not need defending. That said he promised to pass a "fake news" law and a local version of the security law.

How can he say this when Reporters Without Borders has ranked Hong Kong 148 out of 180 places, when it was 80 last year, and in 2002 it was listed at no. 18?

Initially up to 20 journalists were invited to attend, averaging two per outlet. But then this was cut to one per organisation, and now none.

So it looks like only Chinese domestic media will be allowed to attend, to cover the event for Chinese audiences, not even for Hongkongers.

"China wants the world to see Hong Kong's 25th handover anniversary ceremony and project the narrative that stability has been returned to the city, meanwhile it has effectively banned most international media from covering this important event," said an international journalist who did not want to be named.

Hong Kong is pulling out the stops for its leader and yet its own people can't even report on the event... in other words, no negative reporting at all! An alternate reality will be promoted over and over forever and perhaps this is a signal of how things will be done from now on?!

Vancouver Moves from Pandemic, HK still Bickering

Chan says vaccine pass the only way to bump up jab rate

It's been one month since I came back to Vancouver and so far, so good. 

While the sixth wave of Covid-19 here apparently peaked last week, there is no urgent concern about it in the media -- in fact media outlets are tired of reporting on the pandemic and have now jumped on Monkey Pox, a very rare skin disease that was discovered in two patients so far in Quebec.

This is a stark contrast to Hong Kong, where health experts are verbally duelling with the Secretary for Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee about vaccinations. 

Cowling says vaccine pass can cause hesitancy

Two University of Hong Kong academics, epidemiologist Ben Cowling and assistant pharmacy professor Theo Chan Tak-kwong say the government should drop the vaccine pass, as it forces people to get jabs in order to go to work, and so it makes them even more hesitant to get inoculated.

However, Dr Sophia Chan wrote in an opinion piece in Ming Pao that the vaccine pass was still necessary to build the city's immunity against Covid-19 so that its residents can resume a relatively normal life as Hong Kong continues to strive for dynamic zero -- a goal many experts say is impossible to achieve.

She noted some people may not want to get vaccinated as they didn't see the benefits of it, and hinted they were being selfish instead of thinking of the greater public good. And so Chan said the authorities needed to build a strong immunity barrier to protect people who are high risk from the coronavirus, including the elderly and patients with chronic diseases.

HKers need jabs to dine out, go to movies, etc

But the elderly and those with chronic diseases are the ones who should be prioritised in getting jabbed -- even if it's with the Chinese-made vaccine Sinovac.

During her tenure as the Secretary for Health, less than 23 percent of people over 80 were vaccinated when the fifth wave hit, which resulted in just under 7,000 deaths in March alone.

But honestly it's quite shocking to hear people in Hong Kong only recently getting their second jab, when I am waiting to get my fourth in a few months' time.

Another infectious diseases expert, Yuen Kwok-yung, agreed with Chan, saying the vaccine pass was necessary to increase the number of vaccinations to prevent another wave of infections, unless 95 percent of the population was inoculated.

In British Columbia, it's quite surprising to hear that even though 84 percent of the population have had two doses, it drops down to 52.1 percent for the booster. Seems that many people here have pandemic fatigue and want to move on, while others, particularly the elderly are actively wearing masks on the street and in stores.

Over 84 percent British Columbians inoculated

Companies here are trying to entice their employees to come back to the office, but people are dragging their feet or demanding more days at home, while in Hong Kong it's pretty much expected people return to the office unless they are vaccinated -- another reason not to get jabbed.

And so the cycle continues...