Pro-Beijing Heavyweights To Give Away 10mn Masks

A grand alliance set up by prominent pro-Beijing figures in Hong Kong say they will kick off their activity to "unite the people" by giving away 10 million face masks across all 18 districts this weekend.

The group, called Hong Kong Coalition, is headed by former Chief Executives Tung Chee-hwa and CY Leung. The sole Hong Kong delegate to the NPC Standing Committee, Tam Yiu-chung, is the coalition’s secretary general.

Tycoons Li Ka-shing and Lee Shau-kee are among the members of the new coalition. Many Beijing loyalists and local deputies to the National People's Congress are also involved in the 1,545 member-strong alliance.

Speaking at a media briefing, Leung said there is a need to think about how to help boost economy and help youngsters, including those about to finish their university degrees, to find employment.

"For the other issues, I hope everyone in Hong Kong can work together on that ... We are not an official organisation but just an NGO and we do not intend to replace the work of HKSAR government," Leung said.

He said setting up the new group doesn’t mean the current government has been failing, but the coalition will support the government especially on their policies to fight the epidemic.

Answering a question, Leung said he heard about suggestions that companies should not hire university graduates who have joined illegal protests. But he said he doesn't agree with this because he finds most youngsters are against violence and "mutual destruction".

Tung, meanwhile, also said he has a feeling of attachment towards youngsters in Hong Kong, noting that he has nine grandchildren.

He said although he finds there is some "difficulty" in nurturing youngsters now, the coalition will think of ways to solve the problems young people are facing.

Tung, who was the first Chief Executive after Hong Kong was handed over to Beijing in 1997, said the protests sparked by planned changes to extradition laws have torn apart Hong Kong society.

He blamed the opposition camp, saying it was looking for ways to achieve "mutual destruction", with the aim of pushing the city to the edge of a cliff.