A Hong Kong school principal who was sacked after he swore at security guards during a student trip to Singapore has said he feels “shock and regret” over his immediate dismissal, saying he will seek legal advice on his employment rights.
Lee Cheuk-hing, former principal of San Wui Commercial Society Secondary School in Tuen Mun, said in a statement on Friday that he had appointed legal representatives to review his dismissal after the school board rejected his resignation and terminated him with immediate effect on June 2.
He was filmed swearing at security guards during a May 22 school trip in Singapore, prompting his suspension and an Education Bureau investigation.
“I offer my sincere and utmost apology to all affected parties,” Lee wrote, adding that he had “severely condemned” himself for the lapse in emotional management and would “take it as a lifelong lesson”.
This was his second apology over the incident. On May 28, he released a tearful video apologising to Hongkongers and “all sectors” in Singapore, bowing to the camera and urging students to avoid following his example.
Lee explained in the statement that the dispute arose when a bus driver and local security guards, who were speaking in English, failed to communicate effectively over where to unload passengers.