Moody’s a professional body and won’t smear Hong Kong on purpose: Regina Ip

Executive Council convener Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said Moody's is a professional body and she doesn’t think it downgraded its rating outlook on Hong Kong to negative with the intention of smearing the city. 

Speaking on Thursday, Ip agreed with the authorities’ response that the SAR’s ties with the mainland is supposed to be part of the city’s own unique advantages and called on the government to work harder on explaining to the business giant. 

When asked about gay rights event Pink Dot which is set to take place on the same day with the District Councils election on Sunday, Ip said she doesn’t find anything wrong with the event. 

She also said that the day also has horse races and noted that these activities can encourage citizens to cast their votes after having fun. 

As for civil servants’ concerns that the post-election thank-you card will become proof of voting, Ip pointed out there were similar arrangements in the past and said the card serves simply as a souvenir for the public. 

The card is not to be used for checking whether civil servants have voted in the election and they need not worry, Ip added. 

The New People’s Party chairwoman also responded to activist Agnes Chow Ting’s bail jump and expressed regret and disappointment, describing her as “cunning”. 

Ip continued that the government has been hearing public calls to exercise leniency when handling cases of youngsters involved in the social unrest. 

She said although it’s impossible for authorities to completely pardon these youngsters, the court and the prosecution will consider the defendants’ behaviors. She believes Chow’s bail jump may have an impact on cases of other defendants.