Profile of Carrie Lam: whom China plans to replace with 'interim' chief executive - report
Record ID:
1438312
Profile of Carrie Lam: whom China plans to replace with 'interim' chief executive - report
- Title: Profile of Carrie Lam: whom China plans to replace with 'interim' chief executive - report
- Date: 23rd October 2019
- Summary: Lam on June 15 delayed indefinitely a proposed law to allow extradition to mainland China, in a dramatic retreat after widespread anger over the bill sparked violent protests in the Asian finance hub. The extradition bill, which would cover Hong Kong's 7 million residents as well as foreign and Chinese nationals in the city, was seen by many as a threat to the rule of law in the former British colony. Lam said there was no deadline, effectively suspending the process indefinitely. HONG KONG, CHINA (FILE - JUNE 15, 2019) (REUTERS) ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** VARIOUS OF LAM WALKING INTO ROOM MEDIA (SOUNDBITE) (Cantonese) HONG KONG CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CARRIE LAM, SAYING: "In the transfer of the concerned suspect, the original urgency to pass this bill in this legislative year, perhaps, no longer exists. After repeated internal deliberations over the last two days, I now announce, that the special administrative region government would like to suspend the work. We would like to have more explanation, we would like to listen more to the views expressed. I would like to emphasise that we are open and we would listen to all views concerning the bill from the society." LAM SPEAKING AT PODIUM Lam signalled the end of the controversial extradition bill that she promoted and then postponed. In a closely-watched press conference, Lam apologised for the turmoil but refused to say the bill would be "withdrawn," only that it would not be re-introduced during her time in office if public fears persist. HONG KONG, CHINA (FILE - JUNE 18, 2019) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF HONG KONG CHIEF EXECUTIVE CARRIE LAM WALKING TO PODIUM MEDIA SITTING AND FILMING (SOUNDBITE) (English) HONG KONG CHIEF EXECUTIVE CARRIE LAM, SAYING: "The concerns over the past few months have been caused by deficiencies in the work of the SAR (Special Administrative Region) government over the (extradition bill) amendment exercise. I personally have to shoulder much of the responsibility. This has led to controversies, this builds anxieties in society, for this I offer my most sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong." NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS
- Embargoed: 6th November 2019 08:34
- Keywords: Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam profile extradition law Carrie Lam Lam Hong Kong leader
- Location: HONG KONG, BEIJING, CHINA/ TOKYO, JAPAN
- City: HONG KONG, BEIJING, CHINA/ TOKYO, JAPAN
- Country: Hong Kong
- Topics: Diplomacy/Foreign Policy,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA00DB2CFZ9J
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: China is drawing up a plan to replace Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam with an "interim" chief executive, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday (October 22), citing people briefed on the deliberations, which would bring to a close Lam's rule after months of often-violent pro-democracy protests.
Lam became a lightning rod for protests over fears that Beijing was tightening its grip, limiting the freedoms enjoyed under the "one country, two systems" principle enshrined when colonial ruler Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997.
If Chinese President Xi Jinping decides to go ahead, Lam's successor would be appointed by March and cover the remainder of her term, which ends in 2022, the newspaper said.
The leading candidates to succeed Lam include Norman Chan, the former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has also served as the territory's financial secretary and chief secretary for administration, the report said.
In September, in response to a Reuters report about a recording of Lam saying she would step down if she could, she said she had never asked the Chinese government to let her resign to end the Chinese-ruled city's political crisis.
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