When suspending Hong Kong’s extradition bill versus withdrawing it has a different meaning politically and legally but the same outcome: death of the legislation

On Sunday evening, a government source stressed to the Post that with the administration making it clear that there was no timetable to relaunch the suspended bill, the legislation would die a “natural death” when Legco’s current term ended in July next year. His comments came after massive protests were held across the city on Sunday.

While there was little chance of it being resurrected, resentment over the fugitive plans continued to fester, gauging from the crowds and the narrative seized by the opposition pan-democrat camp.

Beijing watchers said suspension of the bill – which would allow the transfer of criminal suspects to mainland China – was effectively the best face-saving option Lam and her political bosses could stomach without being seen as being weak and caving in completely to international and domestic pressure.

In the face of the worst political storm to hit the city since the 1997 handover, analysts said suspension was the best way to keep her supporters and pro-government allies on her side and yet not open Lam’s government and Beijing to being seen as completely vulnerable to pressure.