June 4 is history, I speak for HK, says Tsang - then has to apologise

Donald Tsang Yam-kuen was forced to apologise yesterday after claiming to speak for 'Hong Kong people' in expressing hopes for an 'objective assessment' of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in light of China's economic development.

The chief executive's remarks in the Legislative Council, three weeks before the 20th anniversary of the bloody crackdown on the 1989 pro-democracy movement, sparked a walkout by pan-democrats, who accused him of burying his conscience.

The row erupted at a question-and-answer session after Mr Tsang sidestepped a request by the Civic Party's Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee to back the public's demand for vindication of students killed in the crackdown.

'I understand Hong Kong people's feelings about June 4, but the incident happened many years ago. The country's development in many areas has since achieved tremendous results and brought economic prosperity to Hong Kong. I believe Hong Kong people will make an objective assessment of the nation's development.'

Ms Ng asked: 'Are you saying that as long as the economy is developing well we cannot admit people were killed? Should we bury our conscience to share economic benefits?'

Mr Tsang replied: 'My view represents the opinion of Hong Kong people in general, and the opinion of citizens has affected my view. What I have just said is how I feel about the views of the people of Hong Kong.'

A government source later called the remarks a slip of the tongue.