The SAR government on Thursday condemned Western countries for criticising the disqualification of four pro-democracy legislators in Hong Kong last week, accusing them of practising double standards and "scaremongering".

Earlier in the day, the foreign ministers of the US, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand said in a joint statement that Beijing's imposition of new rules to oust Hong Kong lawmakers "appeared to be part of a campaign to silence critics".

But in response, the SAR government said the five countries had deliberately misrepresented the National People's Congress Standing Committee decision which enabled the disqualifications.

"These comments, irresponsible to the point of malice, are vivid proof of blatant interference in Hong Kong matters which are squarely internal affairs of the People's Republic of China," a statement said.

It said no country would turn a blind eye to public officers breaching their oaths of office or committing "acts of treason" and by criticising the "resolute action" against the four lawmakers – Dennis Kwok, Alvin Yeung, Kwok Ka-ki and Kenneth Leung – the five foreign ministers were "clearly applying double standards".

"It is a timely act to ensure the faithful implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' and safeguard the constitutional order of the HKSAR. There is no question of 'destroying One Country, Two Systems or a high degree of autonomy' as claimed by a few."

The statement added that the government denounces irresponsible remarks made by foreign political figures and "yet again solemnly reminds the international community that foreign governments should stop their scaremongering and interfering in any form in the internal affairs of the HKSAR".