Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing hits back at ‘unwarranted’ accusations he condones crime and caused city’s housing crisis

Li had urged those in power to ‘provide a way out’ for the young people involved in protests, describing them as the ‘masters of our future’

Tycoon says it is regrettable his remarks were misinterpreted after pro-Beijing commentary attacked him for showing leniency

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Li Ka-shing has hit back at a “regrettable misinterpretation” of his remarks. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 7:28pm, 13 Sep 2019Updated: 11:49pm, 13 Sep 2019

Tycoon Li Ka-shing has hit back at an “unwarranted” attack from Beijing’s political and legal affairs commission over his comments on Hong Kong’s ongoing anti-government protests.

An article published on Thursday in an official WeChat account of the party department accused the 91-year-old billionaire of condoning crime and causing the city’s housing crisis.

Li had urged those in power to “provide a way out” for the young demonstrators, describing them as the “masters of our future”. He said the protesters should consider the city’s overall interests too.

He also said that on political issues, justice might have to be tempered with mercy.

The commentary seized on his phrase “provide a way out”, and said showing leniency towards those who had broken the law was “nothing more than condoning crime”.

“This is not about thinking about Hong Kong, but watching Hong Kong slip into the abyss,” it said.

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