Chief Executive CY Leung has clarified that Central People's Government Liaison Office Director Zhang Xiaoming did not say the Chief Executive's powers transcend the Judiciary and Legislative Council.
Speaking to reporters before an Executive Council meeting today, he noted that Mr Zhang was referring to the system and not a particular person, and had mentioned twice in his speech that Hong Kong has always enjoyed judicial independence and had quoted the relevant provisions in the Basic Law.
Mr Leung noted that some people had criticised Mr Zhang's remarks without having heard his whole speech or before the full transcript was published and had quoted him out of context, which sent out a misleading message.
He said it was unhealthy and irresponsible to discuss such a serious topic in this way.
Mr Leung highlighted Hong Kong's unique situation, as it implements "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong", and a high degree of autonomy, which cannot be found elsewhere.
He added that Hong Kong is just a local government, without complete administrative and legislative powers, so the city's actual situation must be taken into account when it comes to the separation of powers concept that is adopted by other countries.
