Hong Kong Chief CY Leung has been confronted with contemptuous criticism after his “poor people driving HK” remarks.

Leung said during an interview with the New York Times and two other news outlets that everyone in Hong Kong would have the right to vote. However, Leung made a strong comment when he added since more than half of the country’s population composed of people earning up to HK$14,000 monthly, an open election would only lead the poor to dominate the voting process.

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The chief executive’s comments caused outrage.

A cutting response was given by Society for Community Organization director Ho Hei-wah, who accused Leung of being detached from reality with such a statement suggesting that the poor had no right to enjoy what the rest of the country’s nationals are enjoying.

Ho also added those who are below poverty line in Hong Kong constitute the minority compared to the strong voting population of the country. He also said the National People’s Congress did not even have such views as that of Leung’s.

Official data showed about 48% or 1.7 million Hong Kong nationals out of the 3.5 million labor force earn below HK$14,000. However, this does not include the number of those coming from non-labor industries.

A report from Ming Pao Daily on Wednesday cited University of Hong Kong professor Nelson Chow saying the chief executive’s comments would only strengthen the social conflict currently faced by Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Council of Social Service chairperson Chua Hoi-wai said CY Leung's comments can be deemed discriminatory. The chairperson also said such comments could compromise Leung with the international human rights standards.

Leung’s office came to his defense after his comments sparked public outrage. The chief executive’s office said CY Leung was trying to point out that any candidate for the top position would need to meet the needs of the different sectors in the country.

TagsHong Kong, CY Leung, New York Times, Society for Community Organization, Ho Hei-wah, Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Chua Hoi-wai, Ming Pao Daily, University of Hong Kong, Nelson Chow