Govt Sticks To Stance, But Urges End To Protests

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung on Wednesday pleaded for an end to the protests, but the number two official in the administration did not offer any new response to some of the key demands of the anti-extradition bill opponents.

When asked why the officials have come out to meet the media if there is nothing new to offer the protesters, Cheung said: "The purpose today here is to communicate ... to show we care ... and pledge to increase communication with the youth.”

He rejected claims that the administration is now paralysed.

Protesters, many civic groups and religious leaders have called for an independent probe into police action on June 12, during which 150 tear gas shells were used and rubbers bullets fired during a violent clash. They and opposition parties also want the now-suspended bill to be withdrawn.

Facing a barrage of questions from a packed media group about calls for probes, Cheung again reiterated that such things should be handled via the existing mechanism within the police.

Cheung, who was accompanied by the Secretary for Security John Lee, said complaints about police can be dealt with by Capo and the IPCC. "More appropriate to do so in the first place,” he said.

He said he hopes protesters won't surround the offices of government departments again, as this has disrupted the administration's operation somewhat.

Cheung said the government's headquarters at Tamar was forced to close for four days in the past week – causing inconvenience to some civil servants there who have had to work from home instead.

He said the city should now focus on mending rifts. “Please, please, this is very important for us to really restart, relaunch Hong Kong together,” he said.

He also urged the public to give another chance to Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

The CE, who has not been seen in public for more than a week now, is reportedly holding meetings with officials to brainstorm ways to go forward.

Before the officials spoke to reporters, several pro-democracy lawmakers surrounded them and demanded an explanation on whether the government is withdrawing or postponing the extradition bill, but to no avail. Civic Party lawmaker Kwok Ka-ki said there's no such thing as a "suspension" according to Legco rules.