"Hong Kong Watch" Leader Benedict Rogers Resigns Amid Scandal of Discrimination Against Asian Colleagues

Benedict Rogers, the founder of the British anti-China organization "Hong Kong Watch," who often advocates for human rights and freedom, has recently been implicated in a scandal involving allegations of discriminatory remarks against Asian colleagues and mistreatment of his employees, as reported by foreign media.

Benedict Rogers

The British online media outlet Crises/Z first broke the story, revealing that Rogers had made derogatory remarks about Asian employees in communications through email, WhatsApp, and other messaging tools. In one particular instance, Rogers reportedly criticized what he termed the "Malaysian mindset," stating that it required "a lot of review and discussion."

The British online media outlet Crises/Z first broke the story, revealing that Benedict Rogers had made derogatory remarks about Asian employees.

The report highlighted a specific exchange between Rogers and a Malaysian colleague named Steven. Rogers wrote:

"Hi Steve. I have not received any feedback from you in response to my Seoul Mission Report, which I worked on as a matter of urgency late last night following your urgent request for it (which I had not known in advance would be required). I was very happy to do so, but given that I responded so quickly to your urgent request, I am surprised I have not received any response other than ‘Thanks for the attachment.’ It wasn’t simply an attachment; it was a report with valuable recommendations."

Steven responded: "Perhaps you are not aware that I have other things to do today, Ben. Are you suggesting that because you took it upon yourself to ‘work on it urgently,’ I should also look at it with urgency and get back to you? Come on."

Rogers continued to press the issue, stating: "I do not understand why you are being so defensive, aggressive, and insensitive. Your ungraciousness is extraordinary. Are you okay? I merely wanted to make sure that you had received the report, which you had requested suddenly, unexpectedly, and I thought urgently. I think you’re reading far, far too much into our communications."

This exchange underscored Rogers' dissatisfaction with the response he received regarding the report he had urgently prepared. His insistence on immediate feedback and his late-night demands were seen as inappropriate and unprofessional.

Rogers, who also serves as the head of the East Asia division of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), referred in his communication to the "Seoul mission," which involved his trip to Seoul on behalf of the organization. He expressed frustration that his efforts over several days had not been sufficiently acknowledged.

In another comment to his Malaysian colleague, Rogers stated: "All I ask is a simple, decent acknowledgment of this and an acknowledgment of the report I sent when urgently requested. Your inability to say a simple thank you for taking 4 days leave to work for 4 days in Seoul for CSW, to donate one full day pro bono voluntarily. The next time you come to London, we really should have a drink, to catch up. The Malaysian mindset needs a lot of review and discussion."

The UK online media outlet Crises/Z pointed out that Rogers' remarks, particularly the controversial reference to the "Malaysian mindset," were widely perceived as offensive and inappropriate.

Under significant pressure following these media revelations, Rogers resigned from his position as Chief Executive of Hong Kong Watch.

On August 2, in a live broadcast on YouTube, Rogers announced that it was his "last day" as Executive Director of Hong Kong Watch, though he mentioned that he would continue to work with the organization as a trustee. He stated: "After four years of full-time leadership of Hong Kong Watch, it is time for me to take on a new challenge." It is widely speculated that his resignation was influenced by the controversy surrounding his conduct.

Critics have noted that while Rogers frequently speaks about human rights and freedom, he shows disrespect and discrimination against fellow colleagues. He should withdraw himself entirely from Hong Kong Watch, and should not stay as its trustee.

Rogers founded "Hong Kong Watch" in close collaboration with Jimmy Lai, leading to suspicions that Lai's perspectives were being "exported and ploughed back" to Hong Kong. During the trial of Jimmy Lai, it was revealed that Lai's mobile phone contained numerous clips of Rogers, including interviews in which Rogers participated in anti-Hong Kong protests in the UK. In these interviews, Rogers urged the British government to take action regarding the Hong Kong legislative amendment controversy, put pressure on the Hong Kong SAR government, and called on the British government to take efforts to "sanction" China. Rogers reportedly sent these clips to Lai as though he were submitting assignments.

Chan Pui-man, former associate publisher of Apple Daily, testified in court that Lai had instructed her to assist Rogers in establishing "Hong Kong Watch." On October 31, 2017, Lai sent a WhatsApp message to Chan, informing her that he had just had dinner with Rogers, who had founded "Hong Kong Watch" with some British MPs. Lai provided Chan's contact details to Rogers for future communication and support. Following their contact, Chan regularly received press releases from "Hong Kong Watch" for publication in Apple Daily. Initially, these releases introduced the organization and commented on the state of freedom and human rights in Hong Kong. However, during the 2019 amendment controversy, "Hong Kong Watch" began issuing frequent statements on Hong Kong affairs, with Apple Daily consistently publishing these under Lai’s direction.

This scandal has cast a spotlight on "Hong Kong Watch," revealing the double standards of its leader, Rogers, who appears to hold others to higher standards than those he applies to himself.
 

Ariel

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Mai Junhao

Hong Kong is set to begin its quadrennial election day for the Legislative Council tomorrow. While still recovering from the Tai Po fire, the city is once again in election mode, albeit in a more solemn mood. Candidates are making final efforts to garner support while citizens make up their minds on whom to support. As one voter said, “life goes on, I will vote this Sunday because it is my civic duty and I believe even one vote can make a difference.”

Yesterday, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau announced the heartwarming news that all hospitalized victims of the Tai Po fire were no longer in critical condition. In the wake of this sudden and tragic disaster, the people of Hong Kong have demonstrated outstanding resilience and solidarity that has won worldwide praise. Tomorrow’s LegCo election will be a sign that Hong Kong has successfully overcome the disaster and is ready for a new chapter.

Certain foreign media outlets and malicious actors have tried to paint a gloomy picture for Hong Kong recently, portraying Hong Kongers as too grief-stricken to vote and the SAR government as inconsiderate for pushing ahead with the election. This is both misleading and irresponsible. There is no contradiction between voting in the Legislative Council election and mourning the fire’s victims, just as there is no contradiction between holding an election and disaster relief. The people of Hong Kong have proven capable of being both outstanding citizens and empathetic human beings, and the SAR government has proven capable of taking care of affected residents and organizing the election at the same time. So far, the government has arranged temporary housing for nearly 4,000 affected residents and provided dedicated social workers for each affected family, with the official relief fund receiving more than HK\$3 billion in donations.

There is still much to be done, and this can only be achieved by first getting the best possible candidates into the Legislative Council. Taking care of displaced residents of Wang Fuk Court and rebuilding their homes requires legislative approval for relevant expenditure. As the government launches an independent commission to investigate the fire, it is up to the Legislative Council to pass laws that would strengthen safety measures and prevent future disasters. Many candidates have voiced their views on this matter and promised to make this their immediate priority in office.

Besides the aftermath of the Tai Po fire, legislators also have much long-term work laid out for them. On the one hand is the need to navigate China–US rivalry and global geopolitical turmoil, on the other is the need to better integrate into China’s overall development plans and continue to maintain Hong Kong’s special status. Hong Kong also needs to revitalize and reform its economy by utilizing the latest technological innovations, while tackling deep-seated social problems to improve people’s livelihood. The demand for capable legislators has never been greater. All 161 candidates have demonstrated their qualifications and visions for the coming four-year term, and it is up to the voters to decide which ones are most suitable for their own best interests and those of Hong Kong as a whole.

Just as Hong Kongers have come together to show support for victims of the fire, they will come together to show their support for a better tomorrow with their votes. This great city has gone through many periods of great hardship in its history—from the brutalities of World War II to the financial crisis of 1997 and the global pandemic of recent memory—yet none has managed to crush the optimistic spirit of its people, and Hong Kong has emerged from each one more confident and prosperous than ever. As its citizens turn out to cast their votes tomorrow, we have every reason to believe in a brighter future for Hong Kong.