Opponents of security law are 'enemy of the people', says Hong Kong chief Carrie Lam

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday urged opponents of Beijing's plan to impose national security legislation in the financial hub to stop "smearing" the effort, saying those who did were "the enemy of the people".

Her comments come on the first anniversary of what organisers said was a 'two million' protest in Hong Kong history.

Beijing last month announced a plan to introduce legislation in Hong Kong to tackle secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference and which could see Chinese security agencies set up bases in the city.

Critics see the law as the most serious threat to a "one country, two systems" formula, agreed when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997, aimed at ensuring its freedoms and role as a global financial centre.

''I urge those who have been resorting to demonising and stigmatising [the law] to stop. When they do this, they are pitching themselves against Hong Kong residents, who want stability again – they want a safe environment, work and life,'' she said on Tuesday ahead of her weekly Executive Council meeting.

''The common goal must be for Hong Kong to resume stability. It has been said the law will only to target a handful of people who are acting in a way that undermines national security,'' she added. ''We are talking about protecting the vast majority of Hong Kong people and their legitimate rights and interests.''