Alice Mak 'in Profanity-laced Tirade' Against CE

Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker Alice Mak has refused to comment on reports that she swore at Chief Executive Carrie Lam during a closed-door meeting on Saturday, when Lam reportedly told pro-government lawmakers of the plan to suspend the extradition bill announced that afternoon.

According to local newspaper Sing Tao Daily, Mak angrily told Lam in a profanity-laced speech that her colleagues had been verbally abused every day when they tried to persuade the public to support the bill, only to find out that the government would suspend the bill abruptly.

The paper quoted sources as saying Lam was shocked and at first tried to defend herself, but later broke down in tears. Mak then told her: “What’s the use of crying now? You know how to cry, I also know how to cry,” and she started crying too.

When asked on Wednesday about the reports, Mak told reporters that she could not divulge any details of the meeting.

She said what the Chief Executive should now do is to mend the rift in society caused by the bill.

Mak also said Lam's apology to the public on Tuesday was the right move.

Separately, pro-establishment groups continued to accuse the United States of interference.

Dozens of people staged a protest on Wednesday outside the US Consulate, denouncing US politicians who had spoken out against the bill. The protesters from three civic groups accused Washington of spreading false claims.