Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday apologised for her handling of a controversial bill that would have allowed the city to extradite criminal suspects to China.
“I have heard you loud and clear and have reflected deeply on all that has transpired.
“The concerns over the past few months have been caused by deficiencies in the work of the government over the amendment exercise.
“I personally have to shoulder much of the responsibility. This had led to controversy.
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“For this, I offer my most sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong,’’ Lam told a packed room of newsmen.
According to protest organiser estimates, Lam came short of withdrawing the legislation in spite of the demands of almost two million protesters who marched on Sunday.
Lam suspended the bill on Saturday although protesters said there was no guarantee that she would not push forward with it once the political storm had died down.
A day later, when Lam issued her first short public apology, in the third person, her words were poorly received by the Hong Kong public.
Exasperation at the extradition bill has united Hong Kong in a way not seen since the 2014 pro-democracy protests as many feared it was a sign the city was losing its autonomy to China.
Many residents have said that they fear China’s legal system, which has a reputation for a high conviction rate, political prosecutions, forced disappearances and indefinite detention.
Hong Kong, by contrast, has one of the most respected legal systems in Asia. (NAN)