Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has clarified comments in which she said she would quit if she could.

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, she responded to reporters regarding comments she made in a leaked recording.

During her weekly press briefing, Lam said she has "never tendered her resignation to the central people's government".

No resignation

"I have not even contemplated to discuss a resignation with the central people's government," she said.

She added that the choice of not resigning was "my own choice".

"I told myself repeatedly in the last three months that I and my team should stay on to help Hong Kong, and to help Hong Kong in a very difficult situation and to serve the people of Hong Kong," she said.

"I'd rather stay on and walk this path, together with my team and the people of Hong Kong."

Disappointed with leak

Regarding the leaked audio, Lam said: “I was very disappointed that my remarks in a totally private and exclusive session which is a lunch actually, which is clearly subject to Chatham House rules had been recorded and then passed to the media."

"I think this is quite unacceptable. To further suggest or allege that myself or the government have any role to play in this thing is absolutely and unfounded."

Chatham House rules refers to the principle where information disclosed during a meeting may be reported by those present, but the source of that information may not be explicitly or implicitly identified.

Background

The remarks by Lam in the audio recording were made in the last week of August during a closed-door meeting with business people.

The embattled leader was heard saying she has caused "unforgivable havoc" by igniting the political crisis engulfing the city and would quit if she had a choice.