CE Sees Ulterior Motive Behind Power Separation Row

The Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, on Tuesday rejected allegations she was trying to interfere with judicial independence by saying there was no separation of powers in Hong Kong and accused people of having ulterior motives to create conflicts by playing up a simple issue.

Lam said the misunderstanding and controversy surrounding Hong Kong’s constitutional system, which she described as a seemingly simple matter, was probably caused by a lack of public education.

She said such education should start at schools.

She said after recent debates, the truth was more clear – that Hong Kong had an executive-led system – and she hoped the matter wouldn't be sensationalised again.

She said although Hong Kong was executive-led, it didn't mean the CE would interfere with judicial independence, but in fact had the responsibility to ensure no interference in the courts.

On Monday, Beijing officials had also said judicial independence does not mean "judicial dominance" or "judicial supremacy" and some people in Hong Kong are "trying to confuse the public" by advocating the concept of the separation of powers.

A spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office also said their intention is to expand the power of the legislature and the judiciary, undermine the authority of the Chief Executive, and reject Beijing's comprehensive jurisdiction over the SAR.