Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Thursday the first open dialogue was not a publicity stunt but a real effort made by the government to find a solution to lift Hong Kong out of the current impasse.

"The aim of this dialogue is not for dialogue itself, nor a public stunt, but to seek change for the betterment of Hong Kong society."

Speaking at the first "Community Dialogue" session held Thursday evening at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai, Carrie Lam said the SAR government holds the biggest responsibility for resolving the months-long turmoil and promised more open conversation with the public. 

Also acknowledging the shrinking public confidence in the police, in the government and  herself, the chief executive said she was there to initiate the first step to restore that trust through truly listening and in-depth communication "no matter how difficult it is." 

"Making changes may take time, but we need to get started now. A string of such events will be continuously held in different parts of Hong Kong and we hope residents could continue to sit down and talk with us," she urged.   

The session was attended by four government secretaries and about 150 members of the public selected by computer lot drawing from the over 20,000 people who had registered online. 

Dozens of ordinary citizens with different political stances actively exchanged their opinions at the event.  

On independent investigation: Police Complaints Council is able to do its job

Most questions at the community dialogue were related to the establishment of an "Independent Commission of Inquiry" to scrutinize what happened in weeks of violent clashes between radical protesters and police since June.

In August, Lam appointed the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) to complete such an investigation and promised to deliver a comprehensive report in six months.

At the session, she reiterated her support for the competence of the IPCC's work and said overseas experts have been specifically invited to join the investigation process to ensure the legitimacy and professionalism of the final report. 

"An independent commission of inquiry is one way to get to the truth. The Independent Police Complaints Council can also do the job," Lam said.

"So far, the IPCC has received over 1,300 documents and more than 20,000 images and videos regarding the related incidents," including the ones that happened in Yuen Long station on July 21 and in Prince Edward station on August 31, she added.

"Can we give IPCC more time to finish their work? Let's allow them to do their jobs and then share their findings once ready."

On rule of law: No exception to law breakers

"The rule of law, upheld by an independent judiciary, is the bedrock of Hong Kong's core value; it can never be compromised," Lam underlined, vowing to bring all law breakers to justice regardless of their political stance, job or personal background. 

"There is zero tolerance to any unlawful behavior, no matter if you're a police officer, a violent protester or a government official."

On Hong Kong Future: 'One Country, Two Systems' is a fundamental premise

Reiterating the firm support of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, Lam said that adhering to the policy is a fundamental premise for stability and prosperity of the Hong Kong future.

Patrick Nip Tak-kuen, secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, also stressed that as outlined by the Basic Law, without "One Country" there will never be "Two Systems" and not even a mention to the so-called "universal suffrage." 

He pointed out that many young people at the session voiced their concerns about the housing problem and the economic prospects of Hong Kong.

"The biggest advantage of Hong Kong comes with the 'One country, Two Systems' principle", he said, stressing Hong Kong needs to grasp the opportunities brought by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in the future.