Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor meets the press ahead of an Executive Council meeting in Hong Kong on Sept 3, 2019. [PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY]
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor firmly refuted Tuesday media reports hinting at her broaching the subject of possible resignation in a private conversation.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the weekly meeting of her Executive Council, Lam said: "From the beginning till now, I have never tendered my resignation to the Central People's Government."
Lam reaffirmed that she had never contemplated resigning as she took questions from reporters. "Let me say it in a clear-cut manner: No," Lam said.
In an unambiguous message, the CE said: "In a private session, I just attempted to explain, as an individual, given the very difficult circumstances, it (resignation) might be an easy choice to make. But I told myself repeatedly in the last few months that I and my team should stay on to help Hong Kong in a very difficult situation and serve the people of Hong Kong. That remains my position."
The CE began her press meet by urging protesters to desist from disrupting train services.
She apologized to travelers affected by protests, asking them to keep visiting Hong Kong and continuing to do their businesses in the Asian financial hub.
Thanking teachers for their hard work, the CE said the start of the new school year had been smooth despite the turbulence over summer.
