Lam wins HK leadership

Hong Kong's new leader Carrie Lam yesterday pledged to mend political rifts after winning a vote dismissed as a sham by democracy activists who fear the loss of the city's cherished freedoms.

Hong Kong has been semi-autonomous since it was handed back to China by colonial ruler Britain in 1997.

But 20 years on, there are serious concerns Beijing is disregarding the handover agreement designed to protect Hong Kong's way of life.

The former career civil servant was chosen as the next chief executive by a mainly pro-China committee and was widely seen as Beijing's favourite to head the city.

Critics say she will deepen divisions in the city, but Lam said she wanted to unify Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong, our home, is suffering from quite a serious divisiveness and has accumulated a lot of frustrations. My priority will be to heal the divide," she said after her victory.

Lam pledged to uphold Hong Kong's semi-autonomous "one country, two systems" set-up and protect its core values, including freedom of expression and an independent judiciary.

Asked how she would address concerns that Beijing is tightening its grip, she said there was "no difference" between the Hong Kong government and Chinese authorities' views in terms of safeguarding the city's status and freedoms.

It was the first leadership vote since mass "Umbrella Movement" rallies calling for fully free elections in 2014 failed to secure reforms, and came after a turbulent term under current chief executive Leung Chun-ying.

Leung, who is seen by opponents as a Beijing puppet, will step down in July after five years in charge. Lam, who will be the city's first woman leader, was formerly his deputy.

An emotional Lam, 59, bowed to supporters as it was announced she had won comprehensively with 777 votes against 365 for John Tsang, seen as a more moderate establishment figure.

The third and most liberal candidate, retired judge Woo Kwok-hing, received just 21 votes.

Analysts said Lam's definitive win showed public opinion was not a major factor for Beijing.

"Loyalty trumps everything else," said Willy Lam, of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

He said the new government and Beijing would want to steer clear of the "hot potato" of political reform for fear of igniting further conflict.

Lam has said she wants to focus instead on social issues, including housing.