Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying defends laughing at Leung Kwok-hung during reception

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying insisted he was not the only one who was laughing at "Long Hair" Leung Kwok-hung during a Labour Day reception, as he defended controversial remarks which went viral overnight.

Leung Chun-ying came under fire after he publicly told guests on Monday that "sometimes he could not help laughing" when lawmaker Leung - who was there to stage a protest - was removed by security guards.

The legislator chanted "Hongkongers want universal suffrage and a universal pension scheme" and "Leung Chun-ying the big liar" as the chief executive was about to deliver a speech.

When asked why he would make such comments, the chief executive defended himself with a typical smile.

"Leung Kwok-hung was very relaxed and even laughing before he spoke. Everybody [at the reception] also laughed as they saw him," said Leung Chun-ying before attending an Executive Council meeting yesterday. "He walked away after shouting some slogans ahead of my speech. It's not the first time. He's also done it in the Legislative Council."

The chief executive did not directly answer when asked whether his remarks were inappropriate, but accused "long hair" of putting on a show at the event. "If you are at the scene, you will see how other people react [to Leung Kwok-hung]," said the chief executive.