Advertisement

Hong Kong national security law: Carrie Lam says peace will return to city and vows to restore its battered reputation

  • Chief executive says government will lead economic recovery and rebuild relationship with city’s young
  • Lam acknowledges task will not be easy, but says city can shine again ‘as long as we set aside our differences’

Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
The Chinese flag is raised at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai to mark the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule. Photo: K.Y. Cheng
Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor believes the new national security law the city adopted on Tuesday will help it emerge from the chaos created by anti-government protests, so it can “shine again”.
Advertisement
Speaking at a cocktail reception on Wednesday celebrating the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong’s return from British to Chinese rule, the chief executive called the past year the most challenging in her 40-year career in public service, but support from the central government, her family and colleagues, made her feel that the difficult times for Hong Kong would end.

02:02

Hong Kong’s Carrie Lam leads flag-raising ceremony on 23rd anniversary of handover

Hong Kong’s Carrie Lam leads flag-raising ceremony on 23rd anniversary of handover

“We will see the rainbow after the rainstorm, and peace will return to Hong Kong after a year of unrest,” Lam said.

“In the coming years, the Hong Kong government will lead the city in coming out from the difficulties, boost the economy, revive our international reputation, as well as rebuild our relationship with the young people.

“This will not be easy, but as long as we set aside our differences, Hong Kong will shine again.”

Advertisement
Chief Executive Carrie Lam makes a toast after watching the annual flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. Photo: K.Y. Cheng
Chief Executive Carrie Lam makes a toast after watching the annual flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. Photo: K.Y. Cheng
Advertisement