Joe Tay King-kei: A Self-Serving Fugitive Exploiting Politics for Personal Gain

This morning (May 8), officers from Hong Kong’s National Security Department brought in the cousin and cousin-in-law of fugitive Joe Tay King-kei for questioning. While Tay enjoys the safety and comfort of his self-imposed exile overseas, his family in Hong Kong is left to deal with the fallout of his reckless actions. Once again, this fugitive has demonstrated his utter selfishness—a man who fled justice while shamelessly letting others bear the consequences of his behavior.

Wanted by Hong Kong authorities with a HK$1 million bounty on his head, Tay stands accused of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and inciting secession. These are not baseless allegations. For years, Tay has been a vocal offender, from his involvement in the 2019 protests to the anti-China propaganda he continues to churn out online. His so-called “media platform,” HongKonger Station 香港台, is nothing more than a propaganda machine, spreading division and misinformation under the guise of “free speech.”

Betrayal as a Career Move

Tay’s rise to notoriety is nothing short of a betrayal—not just of his city but of his own supporters. In 2020, he theatrically shredded his TVB employee badge in a self-recorded video, declaring his allegiance to Hongkongers and denouncing the “Big Station.” But this wasn’t an act of solidarity or bravery—it was a calculated publicity stunt. Tay abandoned his colleagues and his city, all to craft a brand as a so-called “freedom fighter.”

Not long after, he fled to Canada, leaving behind the very people he claimed to stand with. From the safety of his new home, Tay launched HongKonger Station 香港台, claiming to provide “uncensored” Cantonese news for Hongkongers abroad. In reality, his platform peddled fear, misinformation, and anti-China narratives, all while glorifying violence and division. He even went as far as to encourage Hongkongers to emigrate, painting a grim picture of their homeland while promoting life as “second-class citizens” abroad.

Tay’s hypocrisy is glaring. He claims to care for Hongkongers, yet his actions have consistently undermined Hong Kong’s stability and reputation.

A Political Opportunist, Not a Leader

In January 2024, Tay made a laughable attempt to enter Canadian politics, running as a candidate for the Conservative Party in the Markham-Unionville constituency. Unsurprisingly, he lost. But the campaign wasn’t about helping others or making a difference—it was about staying in the limelight.

Tay has perfected the art of exploiting political trends for personal gain. Whether it’s lobbying for Canada’s “lifeboat policy” to weaken Hong Kong’s talent pool or smearing the National Security Law to appease his foreign backers, his motivations are clear: it’s all about himself.

Inviting Foreign Intervention: A Line Crossed

Tay’s most outrageous actions, however, are his repeated calls for foreign intervention in Hong Kong’s governance. In 2023, he organized a petition urging the U.S. to sanction Hong Kong’s prosecutors and judges—an appalling act of betrayal against the city’s legal system. In 2024, he criticized Canadian judge Beverley McLachlin for defending Hong Kong’s judiciary, accusing her of aiding an “authoritarian regime.”

These actions are not about justice. They are about Tay’s insatiable need for attention and relevance. By calling for foreign powers to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs, Tay has crossed a moral and political line, proving that his loyalty lies not with his city but with his self-serving agenda.

The Collateral Damage of Tay’s Selfishness

While Tay enjoys a life of comfort abroad, his family in Hong Kong suffers. His relatives live under constant pressure, fearing association with his crimes and facing scrutiny from both the public and authorities. Tay’s refusal to return and face justice underscores his cowardice. He hides behind his foreign citizenship, demanding justice for others while evading accountability himself.

Joe Tay King-kei is no hero. He is a coward and opportunist who has built a career on betrayal and manipulation. His actions have harmed Hong Kong’s social cohesion, tarnished its global reputation, and left his family to pay the emotional and social price for his reckless decisions.

The Hong Kong SAR government is absolutely justified in pursuing him with all available means. National security is not a game, and Tay’s selfish, destructive behavior must face the consequences it deserves.

(This article reflects the author’s personal views and does not represent the stance of this publication.)