Opinion | Legislators from both camps need a dollop of political sensitivity
Albert Cheng says lawmakers should not be so dismissive when their catering choices leave them open to accusations of wrongdoing
In last week's column, I criticised legislators for lacking political alertness and being politically incorrect. My accusations came in light of news that catering services organised by the Legislative Council's secretariat would include the provision of foie gras, while the Jockey Club would be included as an official caterer.
Foie gras is a product of the inhumane treatment of animals, while there appears to be a conflict of interest in using the services of the Jockey Club.
My comments attracted a strong response from some legislators. Civic Party lawmaker Claudia Mo Man-ching will raise the issue for discussion in an upcoming house committee meeting. Secretary general of the Legislative Council Secretariat Kenneth Chen Wei-on, meanwhile, said the food supplier was named as a foie gras specialist, but it did not mean foie gras would be on the catering menu.
Even if that's the case, putting such a restaurant on the list is both misleading and politically incorrect. Using the company's services is equal to endorsing it and the uncivilised dining habit.
The response from the pro-government and pan-democrat camps on the matter of the Jockey Club providing catering services at discounted prices was rather interesting.
Pro-government legislators revealed that they basically lack political sensitivity; they don't think the issue warrants any concern and believe it doesn't involve a potential conflict of interest.
