HK More Divided Than In 1967 Riots: Frederick Ma

Former Commerce Minister Frederick Ma said on Sunday that he thinks that Hong Kong society right now is more polarised than during the 1967 riots, because of the saga over the proposed changes to extradition laws.

He says it pains him to see the turmoil unfold every day, referring to protests over recent weeks despite the government's decision earlier this month to "suspend" the extradition legislation.

More than 50 years ago, the 1967 riots were the most violent mass disturbances in the city's history, and left 51 people dead and more than 800 injured.

Ma, who's also chairman of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation, said the government must squarely face up to why young people are so disgruntled.

Ma also called for accountability on the part of officials, but added that any decision on resignations would be up to the government's senior management to decide.