Hundreds of domestic workers and their supporters rallied against Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip yesterday, despite the apology for her comments about the sexual habits of Filipino maids.
Helpers holding banners saying “Shame on you, Regina Ip” and showing the chief secretary-turned-lawmaker has Hitler (she rather suits the tash) gathered outside the government officers in Admiralty.
The turnout was notably larger than a protest on Thursday that saw just a few dozen descend on the office of Ip’s New People’s Party in Wan Chai – no doubt because most couldn’t get the time off during the week.
Ip’s apology, which came on Friday, seems to have only quelled some of the anger.
The controversial politician wrote in a Ming Pao article on April 17 that some “foreign women” living in Hong Kong have accused the government of “allowing Filipino domestic helpers to seduce their husbands”.
In a statement posted to her Facebook page on Friday, however, Ip said, “I wish to tender my sincere apologies to all those who have felt offended by my article,” adding, “I treasure my friendship with the Filipino community.”
The statement went on, “The sole purpose of my article was to raise a question as to whether there is widespread exploitation of Filipino maids in Hong Kong and to express my concern.
“Unfortunately, the way my article was misinterpreted in some quarters has led many to believe that I was sexist or racist and was pointing a finger at the Filipino maids. I strenuously deny such allegations.”
Most concern groups have seen the apology as a victory, while others are insisting it was not sincere enough.
Photo: Posted to Facebook on April 13, 2015.
