Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday said opponents of the security law were the “enemies of the people” and urged those who opposed Beijing's plan to impose national security legislation in the financial hub to stop “smearing” the effort, as per a Reuters report.
Protests have been going on ever since Beijing announced last month that it plans to introduce the legislation in the financial hub to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference.
The move has caused the affluent in the city to consider options like moving to other British commonwealth nations like New Zealand, Australia or Canada. People are also considering moving to Taiwan as it is seen as a cheaper option.
In light of the imminent threat of China imposing the law, British PM Boris Johnson promised haven to citizens holding the BNO (British National Overseas) passport.
Critics feel the passage of the law is a serious threat to a “one country, two systems” formula, agreed when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997, aimed at ensuring its freedoms and role as a global financial centre.
Lam, while speaking a year after the biggest protests in Hong Kong took place said, “The vast majority want to restore stability, and have safety, satisfaction and employment”.
The biggest demonstration had seen about 2 million people, marching against the extradition bill, which had eventually snowballed into a pro-democracy movement.
Lam also said the government was considering relaxing restrictions aimed at stopping the coronavirus but it was unlikely they would be completely scrapped.
Hong Kong's borders are almost fully closed and groups are limited to eight people although life is returning to normal.