Top Officials Make Online Appeal For Calm, Unity

Top officials took their appeals for calm online on Sunday, amid a respite in mass protests against the government's now-suspended extradition bill.

After a fortnight of the largest demonstrations Hong Kong has ever seen, and repeated disruptions to key roads and public services, protesters have largely stayed off the streets after a show of force on Friday when they surrounded police headquarters for hours.

They’re angry that the government has so far refused to accept their demands for a full withdrawal of the proposed legislation, amnesty for arrested demonstrators, and a full inquiry into alleged police brutality.

But in his blog, the Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung said what Hong Kong needs now is to move forward, rebuild trust, and get back to normal. He says everyone who loves the SAR would agree that people here need to protect core values such as the rule of law and tolerance.

In a separate post, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said many officials have already apologised for mishandling the matter, adding that most Hong Kongers would not want to see more conflict, or more disruptions to public services. He added that the anger won't bring a better society, but under the leadership of the Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the government will focus on further improving the city.

Labour chief Law Chi-kwong said he hopes everyone could put aside their differences so that the rift in society can be mended, and build a better future for Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, health minister Sophia Chan says everyone has been reflecting on the events of the past two weeks, and even with good intentions, the government must understand what the people want and strike a better balance to represent divergent views.