National Security Law Affected HK's Reputation: CE

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the government needs to do more in explaining its work to the outside world as she acknowledged the national security law has damaged Hong Kong's reputation.

Lam spoke about her latest policy address and the government's work over the past four years on a new RTHK TV programme Overview Policy.

The chief executive said some "external forces" and western media have played up routine enforcement of the national security law, likening it to the suppression of human rights and freedoms. She said to counter that narrative, the government should explain its work better.

Lam also stressed the need for the government to "tell it like it is" when it comes to Hong Kong's constitutional order.

For example, she said the government needs to state clearly to the people that the central government has comprehensive jurisdiction over Hong Kong, and that it also respects the SAR's high degree of autonomy.

Lam also said Hong Kong must remain a cosmopolitan city so it can play its role as a connector between mainland China and the rest of the world.