HONG KONG – Chief Executive Carrie Lam said she has “piles of cash” at home as she has no bank account after the US slapped sanctions on her in response to a draconian security law that China imposed on the city.
Lam was targeted, along with 14 other senior officials, in the toughest US action on Hong Kong since Beijing imposed the law on the territory in late June.
The move by Washington freezes the American assets of the 15 officials and criminalises any financial transactions in the US.
In an interview with local English TV channel HKIBC aired last night, Lam said she is “using cash every day for all the things” after being sanctioned.
“Sitting in front of you is a chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) who has no banking service made available to her.
“I have piles of cash at home, the government is paying me cash for my salary.”
She said it is “very honourable” to be “unjustifiably sanctioned” by the US government, and that she does not want to deter anyone from serving in public office.
Earning HK$5.21 million (RM2.74 million) a year, Lam is one of the highest-paid leaders in the world.
Her remarks sparked public backlash, with social media users posting photos of coins in their piggy banks at home to contrast with Lam’s wealth.
Others questioned how her large salary is transported to her residence in cash.
Lam told the media in August that she faced “a little bit of inconvenience” from the sanctions, which hamper her use of credit cards. – AFP, November 28, 2020
