Hong Kong equality watchdog calls for more cultural sensitivity after Islamic expression is daubed on roads during protests
- Equal Opportunities Commission chief Ricky Chu says Muslims looked him up after the phrase ‘Allah is the Greatest’ was found painted in Arabic
- Body earlier issued statement calling for the public to respect one another’s cultures and refrain from insulting acts
Hong Kong’s equal opportunities watchdog has called for more sensitivity towards ethnic minority cultures after the use of an Islamic expression by anti-government protesters caused offence in the local Muslim community.
Ricky Chu Man-kin, chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission, said on Saturday that Muslims had looked him up in person to share their concerns about the phrase “Allah is the Greatest” being painted in Arabic on some roads.
“You cannot just write these words on facilities and roads as vehicles will run over them when passing or they may even be trampled on,” he said.
Chu said those who contacted him had felt emotional about their culture not being respected.
He said he was told the words were found in Sham Shui Po and Tai Kok Tsui one night. Why they were used was not clear.
