Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor says that she will spend the next year or two on "rectifying mistakes" in society, including strengthening the education of both students and their parents, as well as monitoring civil servants.
Speaking on an interview with Phoenix TV last night, Lam said she's extremely relieved that the national security law has restored peace in the special administrative region and brought back the "familiar Hong Kong".
However, she said she's "heartbroken" to see scores of young people arrested for their participation in anti-government protests over the past year.
Moving forward, on what could be done to "set things right" in Hong Kong's civil society, Lam said there's a need to strengthen students' knowledge about the country, adding that efforts will also be made to boost parents' civic education.
“Because it is very wrong for parents to attend rallies or even violent protests with their children”, she said.
Lam also highlighted the need to better monitor civil servants and adopt a zero tolerance approach towards any anti-government behaviour.
In terms of the media, Lam said there's room for their coverage to be more objective and fair.
She called on media operators to take it upon themselves to maintain impartiality.
Meanwhile, Lam once again lashed out at the US government for imposing sanctions on her and other senior officials over the national security law, calling Washington's action "unreasonable".
When asked if her family – especially her younger son who was studying at Harvard University – was affected, she simply said her family was very understanding.
“They understand and are willing to make some sacrifices”, she said.
Lam also spoke of her recent decision to renounce her honorary fellowship at Cambridge University, saying she had never cared about such honours in the first place.
“When the university offered it to me, the dean of the college told me that the fellowship would be conducive to strengthening ties between Cambridge and the country”, she said.
“It was only after hearing them mention ‘the country’ that I decided to accept the fellowship”, Lam said.
- RTHK, MPD
