Secretary for Security Chris Tang said on Sunday he is thankful that many people would like to get involved with a rehabilitation project aimed at helping young people who were arrested during the 2019 protests.

Tang was responding to news that singer Hins Cheung will lead young people on exchange trips to the mainland, serving as a mentor for the Security Bureau's project.

In a television interview, the security chief said the bureau did not widely publicise the rehab scheme at the beginning because he was worried that there were still many people in society who did not want these young people to turn their lives around.

He said those people wanted youngsters to continue to hate and oppose the government.

So, he said, officials had to protect those who have joined the programme, so they would not be harassed or doxxed.

Now, Tang said the project has already established a solid foundation.

"Now, after one or two years we feel that a good foundation has been built. I think now is the right time to let more people know about this plan, so they can take part voluntarily," he said.

"I am also very grateful. After this programme was announced, many people said it is very meaningful and expressed a desire to help."

Tang said he hopes participants will also learn more about the country through the project.

He added that the authorities hope to support young people's careers, noting that some of those who took part were offered internships in government departments.


Edited by Edmond Fong