CE Says 'reform From The Bottom' Is Now Her Priority

Chief Executive Carrie Lam says Hong Kong needs to "reform from the bottom" after a year of often violent anti-government protests, and that's going to be her priority in the next two years.

In an interview with state media Xinhua, Lam said after the social unrest last year, Hong Kong people need to deepen their understanding of One Country, Two Systems.

She said for the remaining two years of her five-year term, the focus will be on "restoring order out of chaos" and help people to "get the fundamentals right."

But Lam admitted that progress would not be seen right away.

The chief executive said change must start with education – not just in schools, but also in the family, media, and society overall.

Lam said the rule of law was trampled on during the social unrest, with some educators advocating "achieving justice by violating the law".

"This chaotic situation must be reversed," she said.

On the national security law Beijing imposed on Hong Kong about a fortnight ago, she said it's timely and necessary, and people will find out over time that there's no need to worry at all.

She said she isn't worried about US sanctions, saying it won't shake people's confidence in Hong Kong, but rather the security law will consolidate the confidence of investors and businesses.

Critics have said the law undermines people's freedoms and Hong Kong's role as an international finance centre.

Hong Kong's leader said there are still plenty of opportunities ahead, such as from the Greater Bay Area, the Belt and Road initiative and cooperation with Association of Southeast Asian Nations members.