The security chief yesterday apologised for causing 'misunderstandings' over her handling of concerns on the anti-subversion laws raised by a prominent banker.
On Tuesday, David Li Kwok-po, the banking sector's representative on the Legislative Council, strongly condemned the Secretary for Security, Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, for checking with his colleagues in the profession to see whether he had reflected their views accurately.
Mr Li had earlier revealed that 10 foreign banks had expressed concerns to him about the government's original proposals.
Mr Li accused Mrs Ip of suspecting him of telling lies and not truly reflecting the concerns of the finance sector.
But Mrs Ip said yesterday that she had only talked to a couple of bankers during the process of consultation a few weeks ago, and apologised for the 'misunderstandings' created.
'It was not a question of me double-checking what Mr Li has reflected to the government. I have a duty to consult people to ascertain their concerns.
'I am very sorry that some misunderstanding has been created. No offence to Mr Li is intended,' she said.
