At the height of Occupy Central, Singapore Foreign Minister K Shanmugam claims that reports from Western media are biased over Hong Kong's alleged denial of democracy and universal freedom of suffrage.

In an interview with Singapore-based newspaper Lianhe Zaobao, Shanmugam said recent reports failed to recognize that Hong Kong has not been practicing democracy for 150 years since British colonialism.

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Shanmugam added that despite Hong Kong's current political turmoil, China is unlikely to give in to the demands of the protesters. He emphasized that any drastic change "to copy the Western models in the short term" could hurt China and its people.

What Hong Kong needs, according to him, is a full multi-party election that will steer the country towards achieving its goals.

The 38-year-old member of the Singaporean Parliament explained that Occupy Central need to understand that Hong Kong is still part of China and the government's proposal is based on the Basic Law.

"There are some things China will accept, and some things which are red lines for China," Shanmugam said.

Last week, more than 4,000 protesters embodying Hong Kong Federation of Students barricaded commercial and financial establishments in Mong Kok and Admiralty districts.

Approximately 165 people were injured including 21 police officers since the onset of the protest last September 28. Also, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange lost US$50 billion worth of investments apart from halted office operations within the rally grounds.

Beijing's proposition to elect their leaders based on a pre-determined list of candidates has amassed thousands of activists on the streets. Shanmugam defended that China's rule over Hong Kong has largely contributed to its economic and financial success, which did not transpired during the British occupation.

TagsHong Kong pro-democracy, hong kong protests, Hong Kong Federation of Students, Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, K. Shanmugam