Hong Kong authorities closely monitor sexual assault case in district council

Hong Kong authorities have announced they will closely monitor a sexual assault case involving a district councillor and a then-underage girl, and the official may face disciplinary action based on new performance parameters if necessary.

A spokesman for the Interior Ministry said on Friday it had been informed of the criminal charges against Sei Chun-hing, who was elected to the Yuen Long district council in the New Territories in the first election of its kind since last year’s patriot-only reform.

Depending on the outcome of the case, the government may consider launching its own investigation, he added.

“The government attaches great importance to the character, integrity and conduct of the district councillors. Anyone who commits any offence or misconduct will be punished severely and in accordance with the law,” the spokesman said.

Sei, 37, is accused of assaulting an 11-year-old girl at Ko Shan Road Park in To Kwa Wan on an unspecified date in November 2008, according to an indictment filed at Tuen Mun Court earlier this year.