People gather around a desk for a signature campaign organized by the Alliance for Peace and Democracy against Occupy Central. Photo: Facebook
Estate resident says money offered for anti-Occupy march
Residents of a housing estate in Hong Kong’s Mei Foo district have been offered HK$200 (US$25.80) in travel expenses to take part in a march against the Occupy Central movement, Ming Pao Daily reported Thursday.
A woman, surnamed Kwan, said the offer was made to residents of her building by its management committee.
Robert Chow, convenor of the Alliance for Peace and Democracy which is organizing the Aug. 17 protest, said participants will receive water and t-shirts but not money and the march is strictly voluntary.
He said the alliance will investigate any complaints.
However, Chow said transport services are acceptable for people who live in remote areas.
Meanwhile, Ming Pao said it has received complaints that Nanyang Commercial Bank employees are being asked to sign petitions against Occupy Central.
Other reports said bank staff who live near Victoria Park have been told to bring friends to the march.
Nanyang said it respects its employees’ right of expression and supports actions that benefit the community.
Many mainland-funded organizations have been putting pressure on their staff to take part in the march, Apple Daily reported.
These companies have been collecting petition forms although employees are not forced to sign them, the report said.
Still, some employees have complained they are facing pressure from their bosses.
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