Use of state officials' names banned

According to an update by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, or HKTDC, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or SAIC, recently issued a circular calling on all domestic offices to carry out inspections against the illegal use of the names of senior party and state officials in advertising.

Although the images of state leaders are now seldom found in TV commercials, media ads and outdoor ads, HKTDC said, some enterprises are making use of the names of party and state leaders in point-of-sales advertising.

The SAIC circular states that shopping malls, specialty stores, franchised stores, eateries and other types of point-of-sales outlets are the key targets for inspection of the use of the inscriptions, photos and other materials of party and state leaders. Local SAIC offices would also inspect advertisements released by media organisations and point-of-sales ads. They would stop and strictly punish such illegal activities.

In fact, the name of the leader of the HKSAR was used publicly before. In late 2003, or after SARS, the public recognition of the then chief executive Tung Chee Hwa hit into a record low. Steak Expert (扒王之王), a local beef steak restaurant chain, rolled out a gimmicky promotion. Customers calling out the name of "Tung Chee Hwa" would be entitled to a further 20% discount. The discount was later cancelled despite positive customer response. It is believed the restaurant owner had come under pressure that making the offer was disrespectful to Tung.