Chief Secretary Says Police Doing An Excellent Job

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung says the Hong Kong police are doing an excellent job after four months of protests triggered by a now-scrapped extradition bill.

But Cheung, who made the comments on a special edition of RTHK's Policy Address phone-in programme, was challenged by listeners, one of whom said public opinion surveys showed that more than half of Hong Kong's residents distrust the force and blamed the administration for the fall in support.

Asked whether the government would restructure the police force, as many people have suggested, Cheung said: "Let's not debate on something theoretical and academic at the moment.

"Rather, our job is to face the present crisis, tackle the present situation, bring order back to the community so that we can have calm and peace in the whole community."

Protesters and pro-democracy leaders have heavily criticised the police for their handling of the four months of protests, including their use of force.