Carrie Lam offers 'most sincere apology' to Hong Kong people
Updated 21:48, 18-Jun-2019
CGTN
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01:25

Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said she offers her "most sincere apology" to the people of Hong Kong over the handling of the fugitive bill at a press conference in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Lam said she had heard the people "loud and clear" and personally apologized to the ordinary Hong Kong citizens whose lives have been affected by the protests over the past two Sundays.

"I personally have to shoulder much of the responsibility," Lam noted.

In response to the demand of the protesters, the SAR government immediately suspended the legislative exercise on June 15 by informing the Legislative Council that the bill would no longer proceed to second reading debate.

According to Lam, the SAR government currently does not have any timetable to revive the bill "if these fears and anxieties could not be adequately addressed." She made an indication that the bill will expire if it does not make the Legislative Council by July next year, and the government will accept that reality.

Lam also explained that the objective of the fugitive bill was to exemplify the rule of law in Hong Kong and enhance cooperation internationally with regards to mutual legal assistance.

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Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam speaks during a press conference at the government headquarters in Hong Kong, China, June 18, 2019. /AFP Photo

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam speaks during a press conference at the government headquarters in Hong Kong, China, June 18, 2019. /AFP Photo

Despite knowing that the next three years would be very hard for her team, Lam said she had no intentions to step down until the end of her five-year term. She asked for another chance to deliver the many initiatives that will help Hong Kong's economy and improve the livelihood of the Hong Kong people.

"I have never spared any effort to serve the public, but this incident has made me realize as a chief executive I still got much to learn and do in better balancing diverse interest," Lam added.

She hoped those who were injured could fully recover soon, and that the rift in society could be quickly mended.

"Hong Kong is our home. It is only by walking together as one community, and by staying closely connected that we can bring hope for Hong Kong," she said.