Hong Kong Journalists Association’s incumbent chairman, Chen Langsheng, who was originally seeking re-election, decided not to run after receiving a message from a representative of the “authoritative view.” On the final day of the nomination period for the executive committee election, Li Minni, the chief editor of Hong Kong online media “Perspective News,” made a high-profile announcement of her candidacy for the chairmanship of the HKJA. She criticized Hong Kong officials for undermining the fourth power, calling it a foolish idea. However, one of her nominators withdrew his nomination at the last moment, leaving Li with only one nomination, which was insufficient for her to run.
Digging into the data, both Li Minni and her “Perspective News,” where she serves as the founding editor, have often shown a pro-establishment stance, even taking an anti-HKJA position in some articles, although some of her articles have been recently removed.
Li Minni has been interviewed by “Jing Hai Hou,” a well-known mainland Chinese blog with ties to official Chinese media, where she described Hong Kong media as a “massive force behind the violent demonstrations of the 2019 anti-extradition movement,” accusing the media of selectively turning a blind eye to violence by protesters and magnifying the “mistakes” of law enforcement.
Li Minni, a former journalist for English newspapers “Sing Tao Daily” and “South China Morning Post,” announced her submission of nomination forms for the position of HKJA chairman in a post on her “Perspective News” Facebook page. She emphasized her dedication to human rights and highlighted her 11 journalism awards, many of which are related to human rights.
In her candidacy announcement, Li Minni emphasized her commitment to upholding press freedom and allowing the media to exercise the fourth estate. Despite her stated principles, the “Perspective News” Facebook page has shared articles questioning the press cards issued by the HKJA, supporting the police’s refusal to recognize them.
Li’s manifesto also includes her pledge to uphold press freedom and mediate the media’s role as the fourth estate. However, the “Perspective News” Facebook page has previously published articles critical of the press’s unchecked investigative power, especially concerning the case of a former program director, Tsai Yuling.
Li Minni’s declarations in her candidacy news release stress the importance of continuing the HKJA’s indomitable spirit and preserving the organization’s existence. It remains to be seen how her past and present statements align with her campaign promises and the principles she advocates for in journalism.