Ex-officials Hit Out At CE, Police

Two former senior officials who have been critical of the government's plans to amend extradition legislation say the chief executive's decision to put the bill on hold will do little to rebuild public trust in her administration.

Former chief secretary Anson Chan and former civil service chief Joseph Wong also urged Carrie Lam to address the policing of Wednesday's mass disorder in Admiralty, with Wong calling for a commission of inquiry to study the use of force against protesters.

Chan said Lam's announcement on Saturday that she would withdraw the extradition bill for further consultation would "not satisfy the public demand for withdrawal of the bill".

"It is clear that people do not want the threat of the bill hanging over their heads, nor do they trust her and her team to do the right thing."

Chan also criticised Lam for failing to address claims for excessive force as police clashed with protesters who surrounded Legco and filled roads across Admiralty. And she said it was a pity that the chief executive did not use her press conference on Saturday to "tender a sincere apology to the public".

Wong said Lam's decision to put the bill on ice was "better late than never" and urged her to set up a commission to investigate the policing of the protests.

Meanwhile there's been a mixed reaction from overseas to the suspension of the bill. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted: "Well done HK Government for heeding concerns of the brave citizens who have stood up for their human rights.

"Safeguarding the rights and freedoms in the Sino-British Joint Declaration is the best future for HK and Britain stands behind this legally-binding agreement."

The US Consulate for Hong Kong and Macau welcomed the suspension, but said the government should take "great care" and consider the views of the local and international community before amending its extradition laws.

The London-based NGO Hong Kong Watch, however, urged the government to withdraw the bill entirely, conduct an inquiry into the policing of the protest and reform the Public Order Ordinance.