Twinnie Siu and Clare Jim

HONG KONG (Reuters] -Hong Kong Chief Secretary John Lee, a security agent during long-running and violent pro-democracy rallies of 2019, announced Wednesday that he was resigning in order to stand in May’s election for the position.

Lee (64), a former deputy police commissioner, was elevated to No. 2 in the financial hub. In 2021, the No. 2 position was filled by Lee. This move signalled that Beijing had shifted its priorities to Hong Kong’s security over those of the economy.

Lee stated at a press conference, “I indicate in my letter that the reason why I am resigning is that if my resignation gets approved by Central People’s Government then I will plan to prepare for the next chief executive election.”

This is his first public announcement by the government for the top position in the Chinese-ruled Chinese city. Media reports indicate that he will also be the sole candidate in the May 8 chief executive elections.

Lee was sanctioned by America in 2020 along with other Chinese and Hong Kong officials for their part in restricting Hong Kong’s freedoms in accordance to a Beijing-imposed national security law.

Chinese authorities and Hong Kong deny that individual rights are being compromised and state that the security legislation is needed to restore stability in 2019 after long unrest.

The previous chief executives were skilled in economic and social policy-making, and Lee was the inaugural security officer to take charge of the city as its chief secretary. Lee was promoted to No. 2 in the city. Chris Tang was promoted to the No. 2 post, taking over from Lee’s security secretary position.

According to documents obtained by Reuters, Lee, Hong Kong’s security chief sent last year letters to Jimmy Lai, a media tycoon, and branches of HSBC, Citibank, threatening to send seven years in jail for dealings with billionaire accounts within the city.

RISE OF SECURITIES OFFICIALS

This is evidence of the increasing power security personnel are experiencing in this former British colony, after having faithfully implemented Beijing’s new laws. Lee, if successful would become the first security-related leader of Hong Kong after it was returned to Chinese control in 1997.

Lee announced her decision two days after Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who had previously presided over some of the most turbulent periods in Hong Kong history, said that she will not be seeking a second 5-year term.

Lee was the first chief secretary to take charge of the city’s security. Lee was promoted to No. 2 in the city. Chris Tang was promoted to the No. 2 post, taking over from Lee’s security secretary position.

Lee led last year’s vetting process for candidates to the first “patriots” elections for a new Legislative Council. This was where Beijing loyalists could only run.

Lee graduated from Charles Sturt University, Australia and joined the Hong Kong Police Department in 1977.

His key role was to try and implement the controversial extradition bill in 2019. This law divided Hong Kong society, and led to mass protests. The legislation was scrapped after widespread protests.

Some Hong Kong political observers describe him to be resolute and earnest, efficient and without any natural feeling for politics.

Lee is well-known for hishawkish views. He was the leader of the city’s discipline forces. This included the police in the National Security Crackdown that saw the mass arrests and detentions of political activists, journalists, students, and politicians.

Lee wrote a Wall Street Journal letter requesting support for the raid of 200 police officers on Stand News (a liberal media outlet) this year. This led to the arrests and closure of the online news portal.