“We will closely monitor how the [oath taking] situation will develop today, and will take action when necessary,” Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying told reporters on Tuesday morning.
Leung said that he, and the administration, were highly concerned about the oaths taken by certain LegCo members, specifically identifying Youngspiration duo Sixtus “Baggio” Leung Chung-hang and Yau Wai-ching by name.
When asked about what action the administration would take, Leung said: “we will make an announcement when a decision has been made.”
Leung said that the government valued and worked hard to foster a positive relationship between the administration and the legislature. The two branches should perform their duties according to the Basic Law, he added.
Leung Chung-hang and Yau both indicated on Monday that they would repeat their swearing-in session in the proper fashion before LegCo President Andrew Leung on Wednesday. Last week, their oaths were rejected by the LegCo secretary-general. Both pronounced China as “chee-na,” which some took as an insult to Chinese people, whilst Yau seemingly pronounced “republic” as “refucking” in the phrase “People’s Republic of China.” They also displayed a banner which read “Hong Kong is not China.” Both face legal challenges over the controversy.
‘Childish and ignorant’
Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah said on Tuesday that he was regretful and sad to see lawmakers disrespecting the traditions of LegCo and the solemness of the oath taking ceremony.
Hongkongers have high expectations of those elected into LegCo, Tsang said. “To perform undignified actions and to make remarks that insult your own nation in the [LegCo] chamber is extremely childish and ignorant.”
Editor’s note: Digital media outlets such as Hong Kong Free Press are currently barred from attending government press conferences.
