A pro-Beijing lawmaker apologized after being accused of using the old do-you-know-who-am move to flout airport security rules on liquids in carry-on baggage and bring a tube of hair gel on a flight
According to an anonymous complaint sent to Apple Daily, Ma Fung-kwok pointed to his lawmaker status and name-dropped chief executive of the Airport Authority Fred Lam Tin-fuk as an acquaintance while wrangling with airport staff over the hair styling product on Monday prior to a flight to Beijing.
Ma was told the 200ml tube exceeded the 100ml limit on liquids in carry-on baggage.
But rather than dump it or check it, Ma reportedly tried to go over the heads of ground staff, asking for someone “who could make decisions”, according to the SCMP.
The power play worked and the apparently too-precious-to-toss hair gel was permitted on the flight.
After the incident, dubbed “hair gel-gate” online, came to light, Ma presented the tube of GATSBY hair gel at the center of the furore and apologized for “causing inconvenience” though denied he used his status to pressure security staff, saying only wanted to clarify the rules, reported RTHK.
Meanwhile, the Aviation Security Company Limited (AVSECO), which is responsible for security at Hong Kong International Airport, has begun a disciplinary review into the case, saying the guards involved did not follow procedures in letting the hair gel aboard the flight.
The incident prompted many confused reactions from netizens, most of whom made disparaging comments about Ma’s hair (or lack of). “You need hair in order to use hair gel,” while another chimed in “I can barely count 200 strands of hair, why does he need 200ml of gel?”
Others were more concerned about the airport security aspect of the incident. One person said “if one person can get around airport security rules, then how can Hong Kong deal with terrorists?”
GATSBY responded to the furore by posting on Facebook: “Want to go on a trip and want to bring hair gel but worried you might be carrying too much? Never fear! Buy a GATSBY wet and hard styling gel and get a 30g hair gel for free. (Limited availability while stocks last).”
https://www.facebook.com/GATSBYHK/photos/a.443784385646542.103549.247229791968670/1935846986440267/?type=3&theater
This is not the first time someone in a position of power has tried to flout airport security rules. In April 2016, it was reported that the then chief executive CY Leung pressured airport officials into retrieving his daughter’s carry-on luggage, which she apparently forgot in the unrestricted area of the airport.
Leung’s daughter, Chung-yan and her mother Regina Tong were passing through the baggage screening area when she realised she left her hand luggage outside.
After Cathay Pacific staff told the pair that retrieving the bag would pose a security risk and that Chung-yan would have to go outside to retrieve her luggage personally, Tong reportedly said “you know who I am.”
Leung’s daughter reportedly put her father on the phone with Cathay Pacific staff, who greeted him as “Mr Leung.” In response, he allegedly said: “Don’t call me Mr Leung. Call me chief executive Leung.”
