Govt warns councilllors over 'blue ribbons' notice

A video posted on district councillor Leos Lee's Facebook page showed his office being stormed by pro-government supporters over the controversial notice.

Officials have warned two pro-democracy Sham Shui Po district councillors that a controversial notice they posted outside their office making clear their dislike of government supporters may have violated a code of conduct for elected representatives.



The note, put up by Leos Lee and the Civic Party’s Lao Ka-hang, said “blue ribbons and dogs” were not welcome at their office.



The notice sparked fury among the pro-establishment camp, with DAB lawmaker Vincent Cheng alleging the move may have constituted misconduct in public office.



Some pro-government supporters stormed the office and allegedly attacked staff there last week, with police making several arrests over the incident.



The Home Affairs Department (HAD) said on Tuesday that it had recently received a large number of complaints against the two councillors, and there had been a possible breach of the Code of Conduct for Members of a District Council or Its Committees.



"The HAD issued letters to the DC members concerned, strongly advising them to remove the notices promptly in order to avoid social disturbance and damage to community harmony," a spokesman said.



He also reminded the councillors that public funds should only be used in an open, fair and accountable manner.



"The display of notices at the joint ward office of the two DC members may not be consistent with the guiding principles of the Remuneration Guidelines," the spokesman said.



He urged the chairman of Sham Shui Po District Council to follow up on the matter in an impartial manner.



The notice had already been removed before the warning. Lee said earlier that he would not apologise over the saga and that anybody going to the office for help from the councillors need not declare their political stance.