As a media outlet in mainland China, we also strongly condemn this brutal act against a Hong Kong media professional and hope that the Hong Kong police will demonstrate their capability and wisdom to quickly bring the perpetrators to justice.
Kevin Lau is a well-known media figure in Hong Kong. In January of this year, he was transferred by the management of Ming Pao from the position of chief editor to take charge of the group's online operations. His change of position triggered protests from Ming Pao staff at the time, but the matter quickly subsided, and Lau himself did not express any objection to the transfer.
Shortly after, Lau was severely slashed. It is perhaps natural for media reports to mention the aforementioned transfer. However, such mentions can easily turn into associations and speculation if not restrained, and thus be exploited by certain political forces to create "conspiracy theories." Precisely for this reason, the police must solve this case as quickly as possible to bring the truth to light.
The attack on Lau occurred around 10:00 a.m. on the 26th, which makes it easier to collect clues for this case than for attacks that occur at night. Although the perpetrators clearly planned the attack carefully, we still have high expectations for the Hong Kong police to apprehend these two individuals. It is necessary not only to catch the attackers but also to uncover those behind them, forming a chain of in-depth strikes.
Before the perpetrators are caught, suggesting that certain individuals or forces are the masterminds behind this major case is highly irresponsible. Some Hong Kong opposition figures have linked Lau's attack to specific previous reports by Ming Pao, implying that Lau suffered this misfortune because he offended high-ranking mainland officials. Such groundless attempts to pre-judge the case in public opinion should be condemned.
The attack on Kevin Lau not only tests the investigative capabilities of the Hong Kong police but will also test the maturity of Hong Kong society. If the forces behind the case are not acting out of "personal vendetta" but rather want to incite shock, then their goal must be to use the sensitive identity of the victim to amplify the effect of the crime, create confusion, and destabilize Hong Kong. In this situation, the Hong Kong public's trust in the law and the government, and their refusal to be misled by any "speculation" with obvious political leanings before the case is solved, is the best response to the forces behind the crime.
As the 2017 Chief Executive universal suffrage election gradually approaches, various forces have begun to pay attention to Hong Kong and exert influence there. This will cause Hong Kong to enter an "eventful period," and discerning the nature of various events will become difficult and complex. At such times, it is more important for Hong Kong society to show determination, stand firmly on the side of the law, and let the law be the final yardstick for judging all issues and disputes.
We wish our colleague Mr. Kevin Lau safety and a speedy recovery. We also want to say that mainland society sincerely wishes for the well-being of Hong Kong society; no force can separate us from each other.
