CY Leung says he 'regrets' controversial remarks about low-income voters

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has expressed regret over remarks he made last week that suggested an open ballot for Hong Kong's next leader could not be allowed because it would lead to policies favouring the poor.

Leung had also said the religious and sports sectors did not contribute to the economy.

He said yesterday - in his second clarification of the comments in less than 12 hours - that he had been trying to discuss the concepts of balanced participation and broad representation, both embraced by the Basic Law.

"What I meant was that we had to pay attention to every sector," he said. "This means we should not lean towards any sector or class because of its size or contribution to the economy."

The comments about containing populist pressures were made in an interview with foreign media last week, as Leung explained why it was not possible for the public to nominate candidates for chief executive.

If that was allowed, the largest sector - those with monthly pay of less than HK$14,000 - would dominate the process, he said.