Eff U Jackie Chan - Brickbats and bouquets for star in web o

[Anonymous]

Brickbats and bouquets for star in web of controversy

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_deta ... 90420&fc=1

Monday, April 20, 2009

Action star Jackie Chan Kong-sang's comments that Hongkongers are "too free" and that Chinese need to be "controlled" received brickbats and bouquets from the online community.

Chan made the comments at the Boao Forum in Hainan to loud applause from the business community, but he has drawn some very different reactions from politicians and netizens.

"I'm not sure if it's good to have freedom or not. I'm gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled. If we're not being controlled, we'll just do what we want," Chan said.

"If you're too free, you're like the way Hong Kong is now. It's very chaotic. Taiwan is also chaotic."

His words angered some netizens who accused him of putting money ahead of conscience.

"[He said those things] because he still needs to make money in China. What a [expletive deleted] dog," one said on an online discussion forum. Another called Chan a `communist dog.'

"Did the time you spent in America turn you off freedom? By making those statements you have just sunk your people by justifying a regime that has continued to shackle its people. That makes you stupid," fumed another.

"What an idiotic thing to say. Does he want his people to be treated like caged animals or zombies?" said a third.

Chan was not entirely without allies.

"It is because of Hong Kong's free economy that the government now takes forever to do anything," a netizen said.

"I support Jackie Chan. Hong Kong is too free," another stated.

Hong Kong and Taiwan lawmakers were quick to jump into the debate.

"He has insulted the Chinese people. Chinese people aren't pets," League of Social Democrats legislator Leung Kwok-hung said. "Chinese society needs a democratic system to protect human rights and the rule of law."

Taiwan legislator Huang Wei-che said Chan "has enjoyed freedom and democracy and has reaped the economic benefits of capitalism. But he has yet to grasp the true meaning of democracy."

However, while suggesting control may be a better option than freedom, Chan made it clear in Hainan he did not endorse mainland-made products.

"If I need to buy a TV, I'll definitely buy a Japanese TV. A Chinese TV might explode," he said. In addition to taking a hit at China-made products, Chan also got emotional while discussing the melamine-tainted milk scandal.