Police Treating Media Fairly And Objectively: CE

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has dismissed suggestions that the Hong Kong police are suppressing press freedom or screening journalists, saying the force's approach was fairly objective, open, and treated everyone equally.

Speaking ahead of her weekly Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, Lam also said the administration has always respected the press, pointing out that the government has moved the weekly press briefings to the conference hall to avoid the risk of cross-infection when the pandemic struck.

She said that it was necessary for police to be able to identify media outlets in a chaotic environment, and basing it on the Government News and Media Information System was appropriate.

Lam said that there are currently 206 media outlets registered with the Information Services Department, that the force's approach was fairly objective, open, and treated everyone equally, and was not about suppressing or screening reporters.

The CE said she hopes that the media can stick to their posts, perform their duties, and produce unbiased news reports for residents.

Lam also refused to be drawn on the controversy surrounding RTHK journalist Nabela Qoser, and the public broadcaster's decision to reopen the investigation into complaints against Qoser and extend her civil service probationary period by 120 days.

When asked if the government had a role to play in the decision, Lam said: "One would not expect the Chief Executive to get herself or himself involved in the daily routine, operational matters, especially when there are proper authorities to deal with those matters."

Lam said that matters relating to the management of the civil service was "a human resources issue", adding "I have really no comment on this particular incident."