Society

HK's Tsang injured by protester's push

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-03-02 12:53

A protester tries to storm the stage when Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang (L, at the rostrum) is making a speech at a museum in Hong Kong, on Tuesday March 2nd, 2011. [Photo/Takungpao.com]

Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang was slightly injured in the chest after being pushed by a protester from the League of Social Democrats, Hong Kong media reported.

Tsang later complained of chest pains and, at his wife's request, went to Queen Mary Hospital for an examination. There was a sore area on his chest about 10 centimeters wide and close to his chest bone and heart. A doctor said although it was a superficial wound, the 67-year-old chief executive would still feel pain in breathing for a few days, The Standard newspaper reported.

The rowdy protest on Tuesday was staged by eight LSD members at a local museum where Tsang was present for the opening ceremony of an exhibition to mark the 1911 revolution. Tsang was allegedly ambushed and hit by a protester after getting out of his car on arriving at the venue.

"A (protester) came forward and hit me in the chest. I went into a room and rested for 10 minutes. I felt all right then and went on to the stage to make my speech," Tsang said.

During the opening ceremony, while Tsang and other guests were seated on stage, LSD member Tsang Chun-ying stormed toward Tsang but was stopped by security guards. According to RTHK English News, the protesters were unhappy about the administration's budget.

Police held the alleged attacker, Wong Ho-ming, overnight. However, that appeared to have only further provoked the protesters. The group demanded Wong's immediate release and warned of more waves of "revolution" targeting Donald Tsang as well as his officials if there were no changes in policy. Wong has been released on bail.

The incidents drew widespread criticism in Hong Kong, saying that such violent acts by LSD members are unacceptable in a civilized city like Hong Kong. Some accused LSD of reckless showmanship with an eye on political leverage.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang speaks to media after  his medical checkup at the Queen Mary Hospital on Tuesday March 2nd, 2011. [Photo/News.gov.hk]