- by Claudia Mo

In 1997, around the time of the handover, former RTHK head Cheung Man-yee was once privately asked : “Does Jimmy Lai seriously think democracy and obscenity can go hand-in-hand in his paper?”

“Yes,” Cheung replied.

Ten years on, the Next Media boss confirms the above. His saucy, tabloid approach to his publishing business has by now stopped raising eyebrows, as it seems to have become a fait accompli. And Lai remains, especially to the international media, the most outspoken newsroom proprietor in Hong Kong.

On July 1, 2003, more than half a million Hong Kong people staged an anti-government protest march. On that day, Lai’s Apply Daily ran the frontpage banner headline: “Take to the street: we don’t part till we meet”.

Is he taking part in the march on July 1 this year?

“Errh.. I’ve got to be in Taiwan on June 30 for an appointment. I’m still hoping the other party could re-arrange the date. If not, I probably wouldn’t bother rushing back.”

While upholding his anti-establishment (“Not anti-Communist, that’s become meaningless a tag”) stance, Lai says he “wouldn’t call myself a morally firm person as I’ve never been tested.”

“I have money, a good family and I enjoy good health. I haven’t got much else to want. So chances that I’ll retreat are small.”

The statements were made in the context of rampant self-censorship among the local media, which act as though those in power, political and commercial, are not to be offended.

The A45 editorial team had considered having Jimmy Lai and Richard Li conduct a face-to-face dialogue in this interview. “Don’t bother,” Lai quickly dismissed the idea. “Richard wouldn’t agree.” He was right. “He wouldn’t tell you publicly what he really wants to say,” he added.

Richard Li may still be considered a newcomer in the local media scene, while Jimmy Lai has probably attained the veteran stage. Is the older competitor considering retiring?

“I will not retire, not until Hong Kong has universal suffrage,” Lai says it almost like a slogan.

His ideal is his business, to be defended tooth and nail. And it is not up for sale, not now anyway.

“When Hong Kong has universal suffrage, will the Next Media group be on the market? It’s possible,” he offers.

His enemies have criticized him for prospering on “marketing” democracy. “But why should it be assumed that one should go bankrupt, drop dead by advocating issues of the kind?” he queries.

“Democracy is not a commodity … Democracy is a moral imperative.”

His media empire has also thrived on girlie pages and sex columns, including what has been widely termed “guides to hookers guide”.

“Why not sex? Am I the only one, aren’t there other papers doing more? If my paper doesn’t get readers, it’s useless to claim I have however many Tom, Dick and Harrys as supporters,” he goes on, dropping his hitherto relaxed demeanor and sounding somewhat agitated.

“We persist, Hong Kong people support, and we’re there.”

There have been cases of his paparazzi teams invading privacy. Lai has made public apologies. But shouldn’t the editor rather than the proprietor be responsible? “The buck stops here,” he insists. He acknowledges that his staff might have developed some “bad habits” over the years, and he has now told them to be “better-intentioned, kinder-hearted” in the course of doing their job.

One reason to participate in the July 1 demonstration, according to the organizer, a coalition of pan-democratic groups in Hong Kong, is to support RTHK. The broadcaster-cum-government department, seen by Beijing as politically incorrect, is tipped to be “dying a natural death” under plans by Donald Tsang’s government.

“RTHK is worth supporting,” Lai says. But he also expresses doubt that Hong Kong has the culture to support the government-funded label to perform, like the BBC, real public service broadcasting in the SAR.

And Lai personally strongly supports the song “Fook Guy” to be played at this year’s show of people power. Originally an official government propaganda piece to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the handover, it is now an online product replaced with satirical lyrics and accompanying videos.

Nothing to do with Guy Fawkes, “Fook Guy” is a Cantonese pun for a swearword expression rather stronger than “drop dead”.

“It’s naughty fun,” the media tycoon endorses. “It’s people’s vocal frustration.”