The trial of 47 pro-democracy figures charged with “conspiracy to subvert state power” concluded the plea hearings for candidates from New Territories East, Hendrick Lui and Mike Lam King-nam, on Tuesday morning. In court, Alex Fan, representing Lam, read excerpts from Lam’s personally written plea letter.

In the letter, Lam acknowledged that during the pre-trial period, after engaging with diverse viewpoints and thorough reasoning, he realized that participating in the primaries was “very naive and foolish,” only serving to further divide society and even pose a threat to national security.

Lam continued, recognizing that his participation could have led to the Chief Executive’s resignation, which “was actually the machination of other countries, groups, and individuals with ulterior motives.” Through deep reflection, he acknowledged his significant role in the societal rifts since 2019, as a leader within the yellow economic circle, expressing profound regret and introspection.

Lam also cited President Xi Jinping’s 2022 speech stating that “Hong Kong cannot afford to be chaotic,” deeply reflecting on his actions. “I discovered that many people in Hong Kong, including myself, have been influenced by foreign forces and online media, inadvertently becoming part of the anti-China chaos,” he wrote. Subsequently, he proactively contacted the police to confess and expressed gratitude towards the prosecution for allowing him to serve as a witness, “enabling me to disclose all that I know.”

Mike Lam’s Plea Letter (Read out in Court):

“From Denial to Admission”

After my arrest in January 2021 for this case, I did not initially realize the seriousness of participating in the primary elections, nor did I understand the severe negative impact that holding these primaries had on society. During the waiting period for my trial, by interacting with different viewpoints from friends and through repeated reasoning, I came to understand that my participation in the primaries was very naive and foolish. It did not improve Hong Kong’s society but only led to further division and chaos, even potentially endangering national security.

I recognized that my involvement in the primaries, which could have led to the Chief Executive’s removal, was exactly what certain malicious foreign countries, groups, and individuals intended. I also realized that as a businessman, I should strive to enhance Hong Kong’s economy and societal development through support from the country and economic ties, rather than engaging in politics trying to turn Hong Kong into a base for anti-China elements.

Through deep self-reflection, I have realized that I must bear significant responsibility for the societal divisions since 2019, as I was a leader in the “yellow economic circle.” I deeply regret and reflect on this. On July 1, 2022, President Xi Jinping mentioned in his speech that “Hong Kong cannot afford to be in chaos,” which made me further realize that Hong Kong’s development cannot be solitary; it must eliminate all disturbances to focus on development.

Any Hong Kong resident, no matter their profession or beliefs, as long as they sincerely support the “one country, two systems” policy and love this home of ours, and as long as they comply with the Basic Law and the laws of the SAR, can be a positive force in building Hong Kong and contribute their part. In short, it’s about uniting all who can be united.

Like hearing this call, I deeply reflected on my past actions and found that many people in Hong Kong, including myself, have been influenced by foreign forces and online media, indirectly becoming part of the anti-China chaos. Because of this reflection, I proactively contacted the National Security Department to admit my guilt, as admitting guilt is the sincerest form of apology, allowing me to continue contributing to society and the country.

I also thank the prosecution for allowing me to become a witness, enabling me to disclose everything I know. Although I joined the primaries later and had a lower level of involvement, I chose to disclose everything I knew, hoping to demonstrate my sincere admission of guilt…

I know that subverting state power is a very serious crime, but I hope the court will generously consider allowing me to fulfill my responsibilities as a father, to care for my three children and family, and be there as they grow up. I hope the court considers that I am a first-time offender, I have confessed to my crimes, and I played a smaller role in the case to give me a chance to re-engage with the Mainland, Hong Kong, and Thailand. I aim to demonstrate through my actions that Hong Kong can recover and reconnect with the world post-pandemic, tell the good stories of Hong Kong and the country, continue to promote the Belt and Road Initiative, and contribute to both Hong Kong and the country.

Lastly, at the end of this plea letter, I sincerely apologize to the central government, the SAR government, particularly the Hong Kong Customs and the Hong Kong Police, as well as all the citizens who have been affected by my actions.

Mike Lam King-nam