Regina Ip apologises for comments about Filipino maids in Hong Kong
But Exco member denies she was racist while protest march will go ahead
Executive Councillor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee yesterday apologised to those who were offended by her controversial remarks on Filipino domestic helpers, but she insisted the comments were not sexist or racist.
The development came one day after migrant workers staged a protest against her and two days ahead of another one. They had demanded an apology from Ip after she cited complaints about Filipino domestic helpers bedding their expatriate bosses.
"I wish to tender my sincere apologies to all those who have felt offended by my article," the New People's Party leader and lawmaker wrote in a statement.
"I look forward to an opportunity to explain to the groups … in person to tender my apologies so that any misunderstanding could be removed."
Last week, in an article in the Chinese-language newspaper that was republished on her blog and Facebook page, Ip wrote that she had received complaints while she was secretary for security from "foreign women" in Discovery Bay that the government was "allowing Filipino domestic helpers to seduce their husbands". The article has since been removed from her blog and Facebook page.
The Philippine consulate on Monday expressed its concern over the "unfortunate choice of words" by Ip, who is seen as a contender in the 2017 chief executive race. The Philippines' oldest English-language newspaper, , ran an editorial on Sunday calling for her not to become thenext leader of Hong Kong.
Ip, who has maintained since the uproar began that she meant no offence, had asked why she should apologise as she had indeed received such complaints.
