things are heating up for Phillip "the finger" Wong, but look at it this way ,when he runs for Chief Executive his digit will have given him a head start.
following is from the unlinkable SCMP
Friday, July 11, 2003
EDITORIAL/LEADER
Pointed example of what's wrong with Legco
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Like a character from central casting, Philip Wong Yu-hong played the role of the insensitive lawmaker perfectly on Wednesday night. While 50,000 demonstrators gathered around the Legislative Council building to politely ask for better performance from their government, Mr Wong was filmed raising a middle finger and smiling mischievously as an official minibus whisked him from the scene. Given the current political climate, he may have a hard time living this one down - and perhaps he should not be allowed to.
If the gesture was symbolic of anything, it would be the gulf that exists between the general public and most of the legislators who have been elected by functional constituencies. As they answer only to the vested interests in their own professions, there is little motivation for them to brush up on public relations skills or appeal for wider support. Considering that Mr Wong has been a rock-solid supporter of government policies within Legco, down to the push to keep functional constituencies beyond 2007, no one expects him to share the views of the demonstrators. However, the arrogance and lack of savvy embodied in the gesture still came as a shock.
The political landscape we have now looks radically different from the one that existed before July 1. Many of the protesters on that day were demonstrating against impending passage of the bill on national security, but a good number also objected to precisely the kind of government Mr Wong represents - government by a few, for the narrow interests of a few, with little room for hearing the concerns of the rest. That day's march and Wednesday's rally must have everyone in government, from the chief executive down, contemplating the reasons behind such displays of unhappiness. Mr Wong's behaviour betrayed wilful ignorance of the change of wind, or worse, no concern about it.
The apology was swift but hardly reassuring. He said he had been drinking alcohol on Wednesday evening (Legco serves alcohol to members). He said he made the gesture after someone in the crowd had made the same obscene gesture to him first.
Some lawmakers are urging disciplinary action, though there is little leeway for such a step because the incident happened outside the Legco chamber. The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, which elected Mr Wong to Legco, has been silent. It is likely there will be no more than a slap on the wrist coming his way in the near future. He will soon be presented with a Golden Bauhinia Award, one of the highest honours Hong Kong can bestow. However, Mr Wong may have undermined the cause of keeping the functional constituencies by reminding Hong Kong people why they want the chance to choose their representatives.