News analysis

Carrie Lam likely to lead a weakened govt just when Hong Kong needs a strong hand

ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
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It is likely that Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam will serve out her full term of office despite her poor handling of an extradition Bill that brought some two million Hong Kongers out onto the streets in protest.

This is because her stepping down, in the eyes of Beijing, would lead to the collapse of the pro-establishment camp and chaos in Hong Kong.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 20, 2019, with the headline Carrie Lam likely to lead a weakened govt just when Hong Kong needs a strong hand. Subscribe