The Hong Kong government shelled out HK$2.7 million (US$347, 630) on splashy front-page newspaper advertisements celebrating the city’s handover anniversary to China.
Twelve Chinese and English language papers—including Sing Tao Daily, Oriental Daily and Ming Pao—sported nearly identical looks Thursday, 24 years since Britain returned Hong Kong to China.
Their front pages were printed in a gradient of pastel colors a la national security law, with the words “Warmly celebrate the Chinese Communist Party’s centenary and the 24th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s establishment.”
The South China Morning Post deviated from the pack, with a crimson red front page doubling as an advertisement for new budget carrier Greater Bay Airlines.
A government spokesperson told Coconuts in a statement that the advertisements in 12 newspapers involved a spending of HK$2.7 million (US$347, 630).
If your memory needs to be jogged, this is the same government that said in February that the city’s minimum wage rate of $37.5 (US$4.8) will not be increased this year due to the economic recession.
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Domestic workers, who have taken on extra duties during the pandemic, also did not get a pay rise during last year’s review. The last time authorities froze salaries was in 2010.
Online, many criticized the government’s splurge and called it a waste of taxpayers’ money.
“Homelessness [and] income inequity are major f***ing issues and clowns decides to pay money for ads on newspapers. Money would be better in the hands of those that needs it,” one person tweeted.
Others pointed out that Apple Daily—which was forced to shut last week—would have been the only paper that would not have reproduced the government’s advertisements.
