As of Thursday (June 15), several streaming platforms have dropped versions of ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ which is said to be the unofficial anthem of the city’s pro-democracy movement created in 2019, as the government has now sought a ban on the online distribution of the song. This also comes days after the Hong Kong government filed an injunction citing security reasons.&nbsp;

<h2>Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests and its unofficial anthem</h2>

As mass protests raged across the city, in 2019, people would sing ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ which was also created in the same year, for months, with the song containing lyrics that reference the phrase “liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” a protest slogan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/13-face-trail-over-2019-pro-democracy-hong-kong-protests-7-plead-guilty-598090">13 face trial over 2019 pro-democracy Hong Kong protests, 7 plead guilty</a>

As per media reports, the song disappeared from streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple’s iTunes, Facebook and Taiwan’s KKBOX, on Wednesday but several music videos were accessible on Youtube, a day later.&nbsp;

The song was distributed by DGX Music, a team of creators with the rights to the title, while “ThomasDGX &amp; HongKongers” are known to be the original composer of the orchestral anthem. A spokesperson from Spotify on Thursday in a short statement to various media outlets said that the song was taken down by the distributor, not by the platform.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-protesters-take-to-streets-in-hong-kong-after-two-years-under-strict-restrictions-575887">Dozens of protesters hit the streets in Hong Kong after two years, under strict restrictions</a>

Meanwhile, DGX Music took to social media and said it was facing some “technical issues unrelated to the streaming platforms” and apologised for the “temporary impact,” as per The Guardian.&nbsp;

<h2>Hong Kong government’s injunction against 'Glory'</h2>

Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s government filed an injunction which sought a ban on the broadcast or distribution of the protest song. It is also worth noting that it was not until recently that the song came under scrutiny after it was played at some international events in place of the Chinese anthem.&nbsp;

The move has also reportedly prompted many locals in Hong Kong to download the song in recent days which also pushed it to the top of the charts in Apple’s iTunes store in Hong Kong last week as a court ban loomed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-demands-probe-after-protest-song-replaced-chinese-anthem-at-rugby-match-in-south-korea-533973">Hong Kong demands probe after protest song replaced Chinese anthem at rugby match in South Korea</a>

While the court was to issue a ruling on the case on Monday, it was postponed till July 21 as it has asked the Hong Kong government to be more specific in the scope of its request. Notably, the writ filed by the city’s government on June 5 also included links to 32 YouTube videos related to the song which included instrumental and sign language versions.

The injunction filed by the Department of Justice has alleged the song’s “melody or lyrics or in combination” and called for the ban as it could incite “others to commit secession.”&nbsp;

The Hong Kong government has also sought to “restrain anyone from “broadcasting, performing, printing, publishing, selling, offering for sale, distributing, disseminating, displaying or reproducing (the song) in any way,” as per CNN.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-plays-glory-to-hong-kong-while-paying-tribute-to-queen-held-under-sedition-law-518496">Man plays ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ while paying tribute to Queen, held under sedition law</a>

Hong Kong City official John Lee told reporters they are taking action against ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ as it is “not compatible with the national interest.” He added, “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has a duty and obligation to safeguard national security, and we should do it proactively and also preventively.”&nbsp;

The move to ban the unofficial protest song also follows China’s imposition of a sweeping National Security Law in 2020 on Hong Kong which critics said was Beijing’s bid to crack down on dissent during the aftermath of the city-wide democracy protests and reduce its autonomy.

The officials in Hong Kong have also accused Google of featuring the song prominently in its search results. However, the United States-based tech giant has said that it was decided by its algorithm and based on various criteria including popularity and relevance. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-plays-glory-to-hong-kong-while-paying-tribute-to-queen-held-under-sedition-law-518496">Man plays ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ while paying tribute to Queen, held under sedition law</a>

<h2>‘Absurd’: Amnesty International about the looming ban</h2>

The head of Amnesty International’s China team, Sarah Brooks, has called the move to ban ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ &nbsp;by the city’s government “absurd”.&nbsp;

“The Hong Kong government must end its increasingly fervent crackdown on freedom of expression. A song is not a threat to national security, and national security may not be used as an excuse to deny people the right to express different political views,” said Brooks.&nbsp; 
 
 
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As of Thursday (June 15), several streaming platforms have dropped versions of ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ which is said to be the unofficial anthem of the city’s pro-democracy movement created in 2019, as the government has now sought a ban on the online distribution of the song.

As of Thursday (June 15), several streaming platforms have dropped versions of ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ which is said to be the unofficial anthem of the city’s pro-democracy movement created in 2019, as the government has now sought a ban on the online distribution of the song. This also comes days after the Hong Kong government filed an injunction citing security reasons. Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests and its unofficial anthem As mass protests raged across the city, in 2019, people would sing ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ which was also created in the same year, for months, with the song containing lyrics that reference the phrase “liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times,” a protest slogan. ALSO READ | 13 face trial over 2019 pro-democracy Hong Kong protests, 7 plead guilty As per media reports, the song disappeared from streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple’s iTunes, Facebook and Taiwan’s KKBOX, on Wednesday but several music videos were accessible on Youtube, a day later. The song was distributed by DGX Music, a team of creators with the rights to the title, while “ThomasDGX & HongKongers” are known to be the original composer of the orchestral anthem. A spokesperson from Spotify on Thursday in a short statement to various media outlets said that the song was taken down by the distributor, not by the platform. ALSO READ | Dozens of protesters hit the streets in Hong Kong after two years, under strict restrictions Meanwhile, DGX Music took to social media and said it was facing some “technical issues unrelated to the streaming platforms” and apologised for the “temporary impact,” as per The Guardian. Hong Kong government’s injunction against 'Glory' Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s government filed an injunction which sought a ban on the broadcast or distribution of the protest song. It is also worth noting that it was not until recently that the song came under scrutiny after it was played at some international events in place of the Chinese anthem. The move has also reportedly prompted many locals in Hong Kong to download the song in recent days which also pushed it to the top of the charts in Apple’s iTunes store in Hong Kong last week as a court ban loomed. ALSO READ | Hong Kong demands probe after protest song replaced Chinese anthem at rugby match in South Korea While the court was to issue a ruling on the case on Monday, it was postponed till July 21 as it has asked the Hong Kong government to be more specific in the scope of its request. Notably, the writ filed by the city’s government on June 5 also included links to 32 YouTube videos related to the song which included instrumental and sign language versions. The injunction filed by the Department of Justice has alleged the song’s “melody or lyrics or in combination” and called for the ban as it could incite “others to commit secession.” The Hong Kong government has also sought to “restrain anyone from “broadcasting, performing, printing, publishing, selling, offering for sale, distributing, disseminating, displaying or reproducing (the song) in any way,” as per CNN. ALSO READ | Man plays ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ while paying tribute to Queen, held under sedition law Hong Kong City official John Lee told reporters they are taking action against ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ as it is “not compatible with the national interest.” He added, “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has a duty and obligation to safeguard national security, and we should do it proactively and also preventively.” The move to ban the unofficial protest song also follows China’s imposition of a sweeping National Security Law in 2020 on Hong Kong which critics said was Beijing’s bid to crack down on dissent during the aftermath of the city-wide democracy protests and reduce its autonomy. The officials in Hong Kong have also accused Google of featuring the song prominently in its search results. However, the United States-based tech giant has said that it was decided by its algorithm and based on various criteria including popularity and relevance. ALSO READ | Man plays ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ while paying tribute to Queen, held under sedition law ‘Absurd’: Amnesty International about the looming ban The head of Amnesty International’s China team, Sarah Brooks, has called the move to ban ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ by the city’s government “absurd”. “The Hong Kong government must end its increasingly fervent crackdown on freedom of expression. A song is not a threat to national security, and national security may not be used as an excuse to deny people the right to express different political views,” said Brooks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Glory to Hong Kong’ disappears from major streaming platforms: Here’s why

Leader Carrie Lam hailed the territory’s “return to peace” after months of sometimes violent protests, as the Hong Kong government marked China’s National Day on September 30. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Hong Kong marks 'China National Day', Carrie Lam slams sanctions against China

Hong Kong celebrates China National Day: Lam slams sanctions against China

Walt Disney Co. will lose its option to buy a plot of land next to its Hong Kong theme park that was to allow for future expansion after the city`s government said on Wednesday it would not extend the option due to current economic conditions. 
 
The announcement comes as the Chinese-ruled hub tries to bolster its flagging economy and badly hit tourism sector, which was impacted heavily by anti-government protests last year and more recently, the coronavirus. 
 
Hong Kong`s Disneyland resort is owned by a joint venture, Hong Kong International Theme Parks Ltd (HKITP), of which the local government owns 53% and Walt Disney Co holds the rest. It has been closed for +months this year. 
 
The government said it was prudent to focus on the development and expansion of the existing resort in the coming few years rather than a geographic expansion, according to a statement on its website. ''HKITP`s strategic direction is to focus on the ongoing multi-expansion plan featuring a series of new attractions that will continue to position Hong Kong Disneyland as a premier tourism destination in the region," a spokesman for the city`s Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said. 
 
The option to buy the land, which is nearby the city`s international airport, was agreed 20 years ago and expires on Thursday. A Walt Disney Company representative said that the company would continue investing but was "extremely disappointed with the&nbsp;Hong Kong government’s decision not to extend&nbsp;the phase 2 land expansion option." 
 
The land earmarked for Disney has been unused for years and activists had advocated that public housing be built on it. As the city experienced a renewed rise in coronavirus infections, authorities set up a temporary quarantine centre. 
 
Disney said on Tuesday it would open its Hong Kong park on Sept. 25 to a reduced number of visitors and limited days, with enhanced health measures. It had closed again in mid-July for a second time. 
 
The Asian financial hub has relaxed its coronavirus restrictions, including reopening theme parks, after the testing of nearly two million people in a programme organised by the Chinese government found 42 cases. 
Gatherings remain capped at 4 people and all guests inside the park must wear masks.&nbsp;

Walt Disney Co. will lose its option to buy a plot of land next to its Hong Kong theme park that was to allow for future expansion after the city`s government said on Wednesday it would not extend the option due to current economic conditions.

Walt Disney Co. will lose its option to buy a plot of land next to its Hong Kong theme park that was to allow for future expansion after the city`s government said on Wednesday it would not extend the option due to current economic conditions. The announcement comes as the Chinese-ruled hub tries to bolster its flagging economy and badly hit tourism sector, which was impacted heavily by anti-government protests last year and more recently, the coronavirus. Hong Kong`s Disneyland resort is owned by a joint venture, Hong Kong International Theme Parks Ltd (HKITP), of which the local government owns 53% and Walt Disney Co holds the rest. It has been closed for +months this year. The government said it was prudent to focus on the development and expansion of the existing resort in the coming few years rather than a geographic expansion, according to a statement on its website. ''HKITP`s strategic direction is to focus on the ongoing multi-expansion plan featuring a series of new attractions that will continue to position Hong Kong Disneyland as a premier tourism destination in the region," a spokesman for the city`s Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said. The option to buy the land, which is nearby the city`s international airport, was agreed 20 years ago and expires on Thursday. A Walt Disney Company representative said that the company would continue investing but was "extremely disappointed with the Hong Kong government’s decision not to extend the phase 2 land expansion option." The land earmarked for Disney has been unused for years and activists had advocated that public housing be built on it. As the city experienced a renewed rise in coronavirus infections, authorities set up a temporary quarantine centre. Disney said on Tuesday it would open its Hong Kong park on Sept. 25 to a reduced number of visitors and limited days, with enhanced health measures. It had closed again in mid-July for a second time. The Asian financial hub has relaxed its coronavirus restrictions, including reopening theme parks, after the testing of nearly two million people in a programme organised by the Chinese government found 42 cases. Gatherings remain capped at 4 people and all guests inside the park must wear masks.

Hong Kong government ends Disney's option for expanding theme park

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that recent treatment of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists made it more difficult to assess that the territory remains highly autonomous from China, a requirement for the special treatment it enjoys under american law.

Pompeo said a Congressionally mandated state department assessment as to whether the former British colony has such a degree of autonomy was still pending.

"We are closely watching what's going on there," he told a news conference.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-officially-bans-eating-and-hunting-of-wild-animals-300129" hreflang="en">Wuhan officially bans eating and hunting of wild animals</a>

Pompeo said pro-democracy lawmakers had been "manhandled" this week while trying to stop what he characterized as procedural irregularity by pro-Beijing legislators, and added: "leading Hong Kong activists like Martin Lee and Jimmy Lai were hauled into court. actions like these make it more difficult to assess that Hong Kong remains highly autonomous from mainland China."

The Chinese foreign ministry's office of the commissioner to Hong Kong said in a statement on Thursday that Pompeo was "blackmailing" the Hong kong Government and blatantly interfering in Beijing's internal affairs.

Pompeo announced on May 6 he was delaying the report assessing whether Hong Kong was sufficiently autonomous to warrant the special economic treatment that has helped it remain a world financial center.

He said this was to account for any actions Beijing might contemplate ahead of China's National People's Congress this Friday.

On Sunday, Pompeo said he believed China had threatened to interfere with the work of US&nbsp;journalists in Hong Kong, and warned Beijing that any decision impinging on hong kong's autonomy could affect the american assessment.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that recent treatment of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists made it more difficult to assess that the territory remains highly autonomous from China, a requirement for the special treatment it enjoys under american law.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that recent treatment of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists made it more difficult to assess that the territory remains highly autonomous from China, a requirement for the special treatment it enjoys under american law. Pompeo said a Congressionally mandated state department assessment as to whether the former British colony has such a degree of autonomy was still pending. "We are closely watching what's going on there," he told a news conference. Also read: Wuhan officially bans eating and hunting of wild animals Pompeo said pro-democracy lawmakers had been "manhandled" this week while trying to stop what he characterized as procedural irregularity by pro-Beijing legislators, and added: "leading Hong Kong activists like Martin Lee and Jimmy Lai were hauled into court. actions like these make it more difficult to assess that Hong Kong remains highly autonomous from mainland China." The Chinese foreign ministry's office of the commissioner to Hong Kong said in a statement on Thursday that Pompeo was "blackmailing" the Hong kong Government and blatantly interfering in Beijing's internal affairs. Pompeo announced on May 6 he was delaying the report assessing whether Hong Kong was sufficiently autonomous to warrant the special economic treatment that has helped it remain a world financial center. He said this was to account for any actions Beijing might contemplate ahead of China's National People's Congress this Friday. On Sunday, Pompeo said he believed China had threatened to interfere with the work of US journalists in Hong Kong, and warned Beijing that any decision impinging on hong kong's autonomy could affect the american assessment.

Hong Kong's treatment of activists making autonomy assessment more difficult, says Pompeo

The government of Hong Kong has requested the lawmakers of the country to make ''booing'' China'a national anthem punishable by prison.

It instructed them to pass the proposed national anthem law ''as soon as possible''&nbsp;when the legislature resumes the second reading of the bill on May 27.

The proposed law is aimed at ensuring that residents of Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory, respect China’s national anthem.

According to the law,&nbsp;those who use the anthem for commercial purposes, or publicly and intentionally insult the anthem, such as booing it during soccer games, could face fines of up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars and up to three years in prison.

The opposition camp admits it has little room left to further delay the bill’s passage&nbsp;after it lost control of the agenda-setting House Committee in the Legislative Council, but warned Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor she should draw lessons from the social upheaval caused by the now-withdrawn&nbsp;extradition bill&nbsp;and address the public’s concerns over the controversial law.

The move comes as differences between the pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps in Hong Kong were sharpened during months-long protests last year that were sparked by an attempt to pass a bill that would have allowed suspects to be extradited to mainland China to face trials.&nbsp;

The government of Hong Kong has requested the lawmakers of the country to make ''booing'' China'a national anthem punishable by prison. It instructed them to pass the proposed national anthem law ''as soon as possible'' when the legislature resumes the second reading of the bill on May 27.

The government of Hong Kong has requested the lawmakers of the country to make ''booing'' China'a national anthem punishable by prison. It instructed them to pass the proposed national anthem law ''as soon as possible'' when the legislature resumes the second reading of the bill on May 27. The proposed law is aimed at ensuring that residents of Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory, respect China’s national anthem. According to the law, those who use the anthem for commercial purposes, or publicly and intentionally insult the anthem, such as booing it during soccer games, could face fines of up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars and up to three years in prison. The opposition camp admits it has little room left to further delay the bill’s passage after it lost control of the agenda-setting House Committee in the Legislative Council, but warned Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor she should draw lessons from the social upheaval caused by the now-withdrawn extradition bill and address the public’s concerns over the controversial law. The move comes as differences between the pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps in Hong Kong were sharpened during months-long protests last year that were sparked by an attempt to pass a bill that would have allowed suspects to be extradited to mainland China to face trials.

Hong Kong lawmakers to make 'abuse' of Chinese national anthem legal offence

The Hong Kong government has announced the largest relief fund in a decade to ease the economic impact brought by last year's anti-government protests and the coronavirus outbreak.

This comes at a time when Hong Kong confirmed it has entered its first recession for a decade.

Hong Kong's financial secretary Paul Chan Mo-po unveiled a 120 billion Hong Kong dollar relief package in his budget speech, including the much-anticipated cash handout for all adult residents in the city, despite a record fiscal deficit.

The relief measures are largely comprised of one-off payments, including handouts of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars to residents aged over 18, tax breaks for firms, and other subsidies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-with-surgery-masks-on-anti-govt-protesters-stage-sit-ins-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-282081">Also read: With surgery masks on, anti-govt protesters stage sit-ins amid coronavirus outbreak</a>

Chan said the disbursement of ten thousand dollars is aimed at boosting local consumption and easing people’s financial burdens.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to disburse $10,000 to Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 or above, to encourage and boost local consumption on the one hand, and relieving people's financial burden on the other. This measure, which involves an expenditure of about $71 billion, is expected to benefit about seven million people," Chan said.

"The social incidents in the past months and the novel coronavirus epidemic have dealt a heavy blow to Hong Kong's economy. In the face of an economic downturn, we expect a decline in government revenue in the coming year. The government must exercise fiscal prudence to ensure healthy public finance. That said, I believe that the government should also do a bit more, notwithstanding the fiscal deficit, when we are facing an economic setback and overwhelmed by a heavy atmosphere."

This year, Hong Kong’s economy will grow by 1.5 per cent to 0.5 per cent in real terms, while the headline inflation rate and the underlying inflation rate will ease to 1.7 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively.

In 2019, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers held various rounds of anti-government and anti-China protests which initially began against the extradition bill but transformed into pro-democracy demonstrations. The protests led to the various incidents vandalism and in which it recorded a massive loss of public property and businesses.

The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 amid promises it would be granted a high degree of autonomy and eventual universal suffrage.

China's tightening grip on the city and Beijing's failure to live up to its promises have fed the unrest, in one of the biggest popular challenges to the ruling Communist Party since the return.

&nbsp;

The Hong Kong government has announced the largest relief fund in a decade to ease the economic impact brought by last year's anti-government protests and the coronavirus outbreak.

The Hong Kong government has announced the largest relief fund in a decade to ease the economic impact brought by last year's anti-government protests and the coronavirus outbreak. This comes at a time when Hong Kong confirmed it has entered its first recession for a decade. Hong Kong's financial secretary Paul Chan Mo-po unveiled a 120 billion Hong Kong dollar relief package in his budget speech, including the much-anticipated cash handout for all adult residents in the city, despite a record fiscal deficit. The relief measures are largely comprised of one-off payments, including handouts of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars to residents aged over 18, tax breaks for firms, and other subsidies. Also read: With surgery masks on, anti-govt protesters stage sit-ins amid coronavirus outbreak Chan said the disbursement of ten thousand dollars is aimed at boosting local consumption and easing people’s financial burdens. "After careful consideration, I have decided to disburse $10,000 to Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 or above, to encourage and boost local consumption on the one hand, and relieving people's financial burden on the other. This measure, which involves an expenditure of about $71 billion, is expected to benefit about seven million people," Chan said. "The social incidents in the past months and the novel coronavirus epidemic have dealt a heavy blow to Hong Kong's economy. In the face of an economic downturn, we expect a decline in government revenue in the coming year. The government must exercise fiscal prudence to ensure healthy public finance. That said, I believe that the government should also do a bit more, notwithstanding the fiscal deficit, when we are facing an economic setback and overwhelmed by a heavy atmosphere." This year, Hong Kong’s economy will grow by 1.5 per cent to 0.5 per cent in real terms, while the headline inflation rate and the underlying inflation rate will ease to 1.7 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively. In 2019, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers held various rounds of anti-government and anti-China protests which initially began against the extradition bill but transformed into pro-democracy demonstrations. The protests led to the various incidents vandalism and in which it recorded a massive loss of public property and businesses. The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 amid promises it would be granted a high degree of autonomy and eventual universal suffrage. China's tightening grip on the city and Beijing's failure to live up to its promises have fed the unrest, in one of the biggest popular challenges to the ruling Communist Party since the return.

In recession- hit Hong Kong, government to give $1,200 cash to all permanent residents

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday Hong Kong leader<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-invokes-emergency-powers-to-quell-escalating-violence-253684"> Carrie Lam</a> should step down following months of protests against her government and he predicted China would take action to end the demonstrations.

Growing opposition to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-government-to-meet-today-to-discuss-face-mask-ban-at-protests-253612">Hong Kong government</a> has plunged the financial hub into its biggest political crisis in decades and poses the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

Speaking at a conference in Kuala Lumpur, Mahathir, referring to Beijing, said Lam "has to obey the masters and at the same time she has to ask her conscience."

"I think best thing is to resign," Mahathir said, according to a recording of comments, heard by Reuters, that he made when asked what advice he might give Lam.

Watch Video: Carrie Lam invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence

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Mahathir also said he expected China to take action against the protesters, drawing a parallel to student protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peoples-republic-of-china-celebrates-70th-anniversary-in-beijing-253107/amp">Tiananmen Square</a> in 1989.

"Yes, they allowed you to demonstrate and all that but eventually in a system that is authoritarian they will come back and do what they have to do," he said.

Mahathir, 94, is one of Asia's most experienced and outspoken leaders. He was prime minister for 22 years from 1981, only to come out of retirement last year to head a government after an opposition election victory.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-protests-as-hong-kong-government-mulls-face-mask-ban-253638">protests </a>in Hong Kong began over a now-withdrawn extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial, and have intensified markedly since June. They have also evolved into wider calls for democracy, among other demands.

Demonstrators are angry at what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in their city's affairs despite a promise of autonomy in the "one country, two systems" formula under which Hong Kong returned to China in 1997.

China dismisses accusations it is meddling and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up the anti-China sentiment.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam should step down following months of protests against her government and he predicted China would take action to end the demonstrations.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam should step down following months of protests against her government and he predicted China would take action to end the demonstrations. Growing opposition to the Hong Kong government has plunged the financial hub into its biggest political crisis in decades and poses the gravest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Speaking at a conference in Kuala Lumpur, Mahathir, referring to Beijing, said Lam "has to obey the masters and at the same time she has to ask her conscience." "I think best thing is to resign," Mahathir said, according to a recording of comments, heard by Reuters, that he made when asked what advice he might give Lam. Watch Video: Carrie Lam invokes emergency powers to try to quell escalating violence × Mahathir also said he expected China to take action against the protesters, drawing a parallel to student protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989. "Yes, they allowed you to demonstrate and all that but eventually in a system that is authoritarian they will come back and do what they have to do," he said. Mahathir, 94, is one of Asia's most experienced and outspoken leaders. He was prime minister for 22 years from 1981, only to come out of retirement last year to head a government after an opposition election victory. The protests in Hong Kong began over a now-withdrawn extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial, and have intensified markedly since June. They have also evolved into wider calls for democracy, among other demands. Demonstrators are angry at what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in their city's affairs despite a promise of autonomy in the "one country, two systems" formula under which Hong Kong returned to China in 1997. China dismisses accusations it is meddling and has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up the anti-China sentiment.

I think best thing for Hong Kong's Carrie Lam is to resign: Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad

Tourists in Hong Kong said on Tuesday (August 13) night they were ''scared'' during demonstrations in the city and were unsure of when they will be able to get back home as flights were disrupted for a second day.

Hong Kong: Tourists ''scared'' as flights disrupted for second day running

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