Hong Kong leader offers ‘sincere and humble’ apology to her people

Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam issued a “humble” apology Sunday for her handling of an extradition law that sparked the biggest protests there in years.

“The chief executive admitted that shortcomings in the government’s work has lead to a lot of conflict and disputes in Hong Kong society and has disappointed and distressed many citizens,” a statement from Lam’s office said.

“The chief executive apologizes to the citizens and promises to accept criticism with the most sincere and humble attitude,” it added.

Lam, 62, has been fighting for her political life over unpopular legislation that would make it easier to extradite suspects to mainland China.

It soon sparked some of the biggest protests in years, with riot police firing rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators who took to the streets Wednesday.

Lam on Saturday suspended indefinitely the proposed extradition bill — but protesters vowed to keep up the pressure until it was totally nixed.

Lam’s apology surprised many in the troubled territory.

“It’s the first time, but it is too little too late,” Emily Lau, a former chairwoman of the Democratic Party, told the New York Times.

“She only did it under pressure,” Leo Cheng, 19, told the paper, while others complained about it coming in a statement rather than public address.

“She doesn’t have the guts to face the public,” Bobo Tang, 22, told the Times. “She’s just trying to separate herself from the issue.”

Many believe that Lam — Hong Kong’s first female leader and its fourth since Britain ended its colonial rule in 1997 — has destroyed her political future.

“They may not fire her immediately, but her chances for a second term are totally gone now and they may find a reason to let her go without losing much face because now she is hated by everybody in Hong Kong and her administration has become quite ungovernable,” said Willy Lam, a veteran political observer.

With Post Wires

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