In his first annual policy address since last year's pro-democracy protests, Hong Kong's leader CY Leung has warned that the region would "degenerate into anarchy" if the government gives in to demands for universal suffrage.
Urging people to make a choice between "implementing universal suffrage and a standstill" in the economy, Leung has said that the needs for economic development outweigh call for greater democracy, reported the BBC.
He added that the pro-democracy protesters who demanded "genuine democracy" failed to understand Hong Kong's laws and added that the territory had never been promised total political autonomy.
The speech was delayed as several pro-democracy members held a protest in the legislature urging him to step down.
The umbrella movement came to an end in December.