New Fire Chief Stands By 'cockroaches' Remark

The incoming head of the Fire Services Department (FSD) has defended a controversial remark he made last year where he called anti-government protesters "cockroaches", saying he was only referring to those who disregard law and order.

Joseph Leung, currently the FSD's deputy director, takes over as chief on Saturday when Daryl Li retires.

During an internal meeting last year at the height of the anti-government protests, Leung referred to protesters as "cockroaches", a term widely used by police officers to refer to demonstrators.

Speaking to reporters before taking up his new post, Leung defended his remark, saying it was "trivial", not made in public, and had been "hyped up".

He said people should criticise "rioters" rather than him, because what they had done caused much more damage than his remark.

Leung said his "emotional" comment would not affect the work of the department, and staff are duty bound to rescue all people no matter what their background or political stance is.

He revealed that 11 firefighters were arrested in relation to the anti-government protests, although two were released unconditionally.

Complaints were made about 130 FSD officers over remarks they made on social media, but allegations against half of them were found to be unsubstantiated. Some firefighters are facing disciplinary hearings.

Leung rejected the idea that he is not subject to such high professional standards, saying his "cockroaches" comment had been reviewed by his boss as well as the Civil Service Bureau.

"I think I have already shouldered the consequences," he said.