Ming Pao defends latest comic amidst strong concerns from police

Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao has defended its recently published comic after the police sent a letter expressing “strong concerns”.

This comes as Joe Chan Tung, the assistant police commissioner for public relations sent a letter to the publication on Tuesday, who said the comic drawn by Zunzi(尊子) could mislead readers on the perception of police dealing with inquiries filed by schools. 

The comic, which was published on Tuesday, features two fully armed anti-riot police officers carrying batons and shields asking, "What have the students done wrong this time, principal Chan?" The principal, in an orange suit, answered: "A student from class 6A used foul language, another student from class 5C lost an eraser, the third one from class 3D was caught hiding a laser pointer in the schoolbag, the fourth one from class 2A was suspected of threatening for talking back to a teacher..."

The letter stated that the comic might also lead readers to associate it with the recent controversy at St. Francis Xavier's School in Tsuen Wan and misunderstand why the school reports to the police.

According to the statement on Ming Pao, the cartoonist said the cartoon is not aimed at the police, but he believes that the school should teach students to be as earnest as possible and not to deal with it in a high-pressure manner. The daily cartoon, like other columns, is only for the author to make general comments and opinions on the observation of social atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Ming Pao's editorial department said that it will continue to provide readers with accurate and credible news content in a professional manner, and support the columnists to provide professional works.

Last week, St. Francis Xavier's School has suspended 14 students from school for three days in response to their “disrespectful behaviours” towards the national anthem and flag-raising ceremony.

The school later confirmed that police arrived at the scene on the same day to investigate a damaged sign close to the main gate.

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