Ming Pao publishes last issue of comic strip by political cartoonist Zunzi
Chinese-language newspaper Ming Pao published the last issue of a comic strip by political cartoonist Wong Kei-kwan, better known by his pen name “Zunzi,” on Saturday after the comic section had been criticized a number of times by principal government officials since last October.
Today’s comic strip sees two people walk together under an umbrella as the rain starts to drizzle.
Another piece of comic next to a column mocks the remarks by Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, who described the democratic element in forming district councils as unauthorized building works.
The editorial department of Ming Pao extended their gratitude towards Zunzi for together witnessing how the times have changed over the past four decades.
The newspaper’s union will also set up a comment section at their office’s hall for staffers to write cards to Zunzi.
Ming Pao’s decision to pull the comic strip from publication was first announced in the form of editor’s notes on Thursday without further providing reasons.
Responding to media inquiries, Zunzi said everyone knows in their heart why his comic will not be published anymore.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung earlier said it was responsible for Ming Pao to stop publishing the comic strip, and he believed the editors would not want the newspaper to be used as a platform to spread untrue and misleading claims and incite citizens’ hatred towards the government.
Yesterday (Fri), Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stressed Hong Kong still enjoys press freedom and freedom of speech. Yet, he added, the government must oppose untrue, biased, and misleading messages in the media.