Four leading local press unions have today raised strong objections to Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying selectively giving an interview to one news organisation only while shunning the rest of media the world over.

The Hong Kong Journalists Association, Next Media Union, RTHK Programme Staff Union and Ming Pao Staff Association jointly demand the CE to promptly meet the local and international press to address various pressing issues currently impacting Hong Kong.

More than two weeks have gone by since the start of the Occupy Central movement and student protests on September 28. Other than speaking in a few taped video clips and speaking very briefly on two occasions, Mr Leung has yet to explain to the public in detail, for instance, the justifications for using teargas on protesters and suspending talks with student representatives.

The past few days also saw a public outcry over allegations of his accepting HK$50 million from an Australian company called UGL. Both the public and the press have been looking forward to his publicly addressing such allegations.

Earlier today, most disappointingly, he chose to appear in a 30-minute interview on TVB’s On The Record without notifying the press in advance or speaking to reporters afterwards.

To date Mr Leung has been avoiding the press on matters of such high public interest contrary to principles of transparency and accountability as well as commitments he had publicly made before taking office to respect and uphold the freedom of the press.

The unions urge the CE to promptly call a press conference to publicly address those issues and questions and, for transparency and openness in government, pledge to continue to do so on matters of high public interest and concern rather than give selective interviews or short briefings.

The Hong Kong Journalists Association

Next Media Trade Union

RTHK Programme Staff Union

Ming Pao Staff Association

12 October 2014