In his first annual policy address since last year’s pro-democracy protests, Hong Kong’s leader CY Leung has warned that the region would “degenerate into anarchy” if the government gives in to demands for universal suffrage.
Urging people to make a choice between “implementing universal suffrage and a standstill” in the economy, Leung has said that the needs for economic development outweigh call for greater democracy, reported the BBC.
He added that the pro-democracy protesters who demanded “genuine democracy” failed to understand Hong Kong’s laws and added that the territory had never been promised total political autonomy .
The speech was delayed as several pro- democracy members held a protest in the legislature urging him to step down.
The umbrella movement came to an end in December. (ANI)