Political situation
Written by: Chen Chuolan
2021-06-05 19:53
Last update date: 2021-06-05 19:53
Tsuen Wan District Councillor Lin Xitian called on Facebook on May 31 to stop, reflect on the relationship between humans and the earth, and turn off the lights for environmental protection for one hour.
Lin Xitian said on Facebook today (5th) that the "lights off for one hour" event at home was temporarily cancelled.
Lin pointed out that because the councillor’s office has received notification from the Home Affairs Department that the event has nothing to do with the work of the District Council, affects regional harmony, and that the event may violate the laws of Hong Kong, in order to encourage and assist the public to participate in unauthorized public gatherings.
When he announced the event on May 31, Lin Xitian said that he would provide electronic candles for everyone to try to "turn off the lights for one hour" at home, which can not only reduce carbon emissions, but also take the opportunity to wash their souls in the quiet night sky.
However, the Home Affairs Department informed Lin Xitian that “the activities have nothing to do with the work of the district councils and affect the harmony of the district, and the activities may violate the laws of Hong Kong to encourage and assist the public to participate in unapproved public gatherings.” He also emphasized that district members should Comply with the "Guidelines for the Conduct of District Council Members and Committee Members of District Councils," and the way that District Council members act should not be placed in a situation that might undermine the expectations of the general public for the District Council members in terms of their normal code of conduct.
Before deciding to participate in any event, the district board member must carefully consider whether the nature and content of the event will be deemed inconsistent with the status or prestige of the district board member, which will damage the credibility of the district board.
Article 7(a) of the Special Guidelines of the Code of Conduct also stipulates that district board members shall not use the member expense allowances and/or district board members’ offices received by them for purposes not related to the affairs of the district board.
Therefore, Lin Xitian decided to cancel the "lights off for an hour" activity at home and apologized to all those who support environmental protection.
The content of the IACM’s letter is the same as the letter received by members of the June 4th Dispatch Candles
The IACM's letter is the same as the letter received by many district councilors after they distributed candles on the street in connection with the June 4th incident.
However, Lin Xitian’s "Lights Off for One Hour" at home activity did not designate to be held on June 4, and the promotional posts did not contain the words related to the June 4th incident. The cancellation date has passed the anniversary of the June 4th incident.
Lin Xitian pointed out that when they received a notice from the Home Affairs Department that the event might violate other laws and be liable for criminal responsibility, they expressed difficulty in understanding and deeply regretted it. He emphasized that although the event could not be held to raise residents’ environmental awareness, I hope everyone will pay attention to the importance of protecting and improving the human environment.
The annual "Earth Hour" is hosted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
The picture shows the situation in 2018.
(Profile picture / Photo by Luo Junhao)
"Lights off for an hour" is the main event of "Earth Hour" initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Every year, many environmentalists and large organizations participate in "Earth Hour". participate.
This year's WWF "Earth Hour" event was held on March 27.
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June 4th 32 | District Councillors sent candles to the Civil Affairs Department to issue a letter stating that it is illegal: affecting regional harmony
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District Council Earth Hour Earth Hour Home Affairs Bureau Environmental June 4th Incident