Property tycoon Lee Shau-kee lashes out at Occupy Central
Property billionaire attacks democracy protest as he praises C.Y. Leung and rubbishes idea that business and government work hand in glove
Property tycoon Lee Shau-kee has weighed in to condemn the Occupy Central movement for being "too radical", and warned it could have a negative impact on the city.
The Henderson Land Development chairman made the remarks in a speech at a meeting with the News Executives' Association yesterday, during which he took the rare step of speaking on a range of subjects, from social issues to personal matters.
Lee said the pan-democrat movement, which aims to mobilise 10,000 people to blockade Central and force the government to commit to universal suffrage, could have significant fallout.
"Central is the heart of Hong Kong," Lee said. "It should not be paralysed, or else there could be huge consequences. It could have a negative impact on Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong is a very precious place. People who live here should appreciate what they already have. They should comply with the law and behave themselves," he said.
Lee also advised young people not to take radical action during Occupy Central protests.
The tycoon extended his support to the government by praising chief executive Leung Chun-ying for being "diligent, persistent and hard-working", while dismissing the accusation that there was collusion between the administration and businesspeople.