Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday said media workers should be on "the right side of history" and tell good Hong Kong stories in the international arena, while warning against the re-emergence of anti-Hong Kong forces.

Speaking at a reception organised by the media industry to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Lee spoke out against anti-China forces who he said were concocting lies about Hong Kong in the international arena.

He said they wanted to perpetrate a "new lie".

“No matter what crimes this person commits, he cannot be touched, and he would in turn accuse you of undermining press freedom,” Lee said.

“From day one when he cloaks himself as a part of the media, he is abusing this identity as part of a plot to commit crimes and even endanger national security.”

Lee added the authorities will pursue anyone who breaks the law, regardless of their background and profession.