'...there is a place reserved for me in heaven..' Chief secretary Carrie Lam raises eyebrows invoking holy scripture
Chief secretary recalls enduring criticism for 'doing what is right', but some not so sure
Questions about Hong Kong's governance were raised yesterday after the city's No2 official said she believed she "has a place reserved in heaven" for enduring criticism for doing what is right.
Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, a Catholic, made the comment as she officiated at the opening ceremony of Caritas' annual bazaar.
"I attended a mass this morning, and it talked about the Eight Beatitudes," Lam said.
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"Some people have told me that the last of the eight fits me very much: It says, 'Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice's sake,' because there is a place reserved for me in heaven. In fact, nowadays, as you work in the government, you are often criticised for doing what is just."
Lam made the comment, which won her a round of applause, after Cardinal John Tong Hon's speech, in which the bishop praised Lam's character.
"Lam has persevered and never given up [in the face of challenges] … She set a good example for us," Tong said.
Jackie Hung Ling-yu, project officer of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese, had reservations about Lam's remarks.