Chief Executive John Lee said on Friday that media organisations have the responsibility to prevent the spread of untrue and misleading messages.

He was responding to the Ming Pao newspaper's decision to stop publishing a comic strip by political cartoonist Wong Kei-kwan, better known as 'Zunzi'.

The CE said media organisations should be accountable to society, and make sure the messages they deliver meet public expectations and professional conduct.

He said while the government is willing to accept criticism, it will not tolerate fake news.

"Hong Kong enjoys freedom of the press and freedom of expression, which are thoroughly protected by the Basic Law. However, I oppose false, biased, defamatory and misleading messages. The government will immediately denounce them and set the record straight,” the CE said.

Asked about the removal of Zunzi's books from public libraries, Lee said professional staff conduct regular reviews of library collections to make sure they are suitable for the public.

He said they have to consider whether the titles violate SAR laws such as the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance, or have a bad influence on society.

The CE made these remarks upon his return from a three-day trip to Chongqing.

He said the two cities have agreed to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including finance, logistics and tourism.