Eric Tsang resigns from HKPAG post
25 Oct – It was revealed that Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang recently decided to resign from his post as the president of the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild.
As reported on Oriental Daily website, on 23 October, the 60-year-old actor made the announcement after the Guild faced numerous criticisms from the public for failing to act during the free-to-air license protests.
While more than 120,000 people gathered to rally against the Executive Council's decision to eliminate HKTV from the broadcasting race on 20 October, it was reported that two out of the 10 organization members in the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers were missing from the rally - Hong Kong Film Arts Association and Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild.
Since Eric was the president of the Performing Artistes Guild, many accused him of being afraid to show his support due to his close relationship with TVB. Film producer, Stephen Shiu also alleged that Eric has contacted the Federation Chairman, Ng See Yuen, prior to the rally to ask him to withdraw from the protests and influenced the Film Arts Association to withdraw their attendance.
Eric has denied Stephen's allegations and stated that he has no say in the decisions made by the Film Arts Association.
In regards to the Guilds absence, Eric said, "Usually the Federation would not issue statements until its members reach a unanimous decision. I was in China at the time, but I also agreed to the call for transparency, not because of Ricky Wong and HKTV. I asked the Federation to meet and discuss the issue but Chairman Ng and Hong Kong Film Directors Guild's president Derek Yee continued with the press release without my consent."
He also denied having any special bond with TVB, saying, "From an actor's point of view, more TV licenses means more opportunities with us and the Guild has always been eager to help our members in that sense without having any political affiliations."
When asked why he still decided to resign, Eric replied, "I feel like I did not handle the matter satisfactorily. But my resignation has nothing to do with my relationship with TVB. I just want the ability to express my own opinions freely."
