Chief Executive John Lee said officials should be able to speak out if they feel they were unfairly criticised.

He told a television programme on Sunday that everyone's right of expression – including that of the authorities – should be tolerated.

"Actually, the government has been criticised many times," he said. "Hong Kong is a society that has many voices. If a government department thinks it has been unfairly treated, I think it's fair that it should have its say," he said.

Labour minister Chris Sun on Friday criticised a satirical cartoon about the government policy to attract talent, saying it would harm Hong Kong's image. Earlier, the police sent a letter to the Ming Pao newspaper saying a cartoon it published relating to a school that suspended a group of students for missing a flag-raising ceremony could mislead readers.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive described Hong Kong as a city with "beauty and wisdom" and can continue to attract talent.

Lee said the pandemic put Hong Kong at a disadvantage when it comes to luring workers from elsewhere, but the city has always had its own edge.

"Our own DNA is attractive. We are a place with beauty and wisdom which everyone appreciates... Let's not forget [we have] this DNA," he said.

Lee said thanks to additional policy initiatives from the SAR and mainland authorities, he is confident the city can achieve the target of recruiting 35,000 people a year.

"Some people say the places they went to are boring. Hong Kong is not boring. There is always something to do no matter what time it is."

Lee added the loss of workers in the SAR in the past two years may soon be a thing of the past.