Lam defends liaison official's public role in ferry disaster
The chief secretary has defended a Beijing liaison official’s public role after the Lamma ferry disaster, saying it was only “natural” for Beijing’s representatives to show concern.
The chief secretary has defended a Beijing liaison official’s public role after the Lamma ferry disaster, saying it was only “natural” for Beijing’s representatives to show concern at such times.
Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor made the remarks on Friday, after some lawmakers criticised the government for allowing Li Gang, deputy head of the liaison office, to upstage Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying at a hospital during the October 1 tragedy.
The two men were visiting injured survivors of the ferry collision that left 39 people dead.
Critics said such incidents could damage the city’s image because it is supposed to have a high degree of autonomy from Beijing.
Speaking during and after a special meeting of the Legislative Council’s House Committee, Lam said the city was in charge of its own rescue operations.
“It would be difficult for me to comment on individual lawmaker’s perceptions,” she said, adding that Li’s appearance at the hospital had not been prearranged.
The Civic Party’s Claudia Mo Man-ching said Leung could have politely turned down Li’s visit, or Li could have issued a statement instead of appearing at the hospital.
Lawmaker Frederick Fung Kin-kee said Li’s appearance had been unnecessary.
