In an interview with local English television channel HKIBC which aired Friday night, Lam said she “used money every day for everything” after being sanctioned.
“Sitting across from you is a Managing Director of Hong Kong SAR [Special Administrative Region] which has no banking service. I use cash for everything, ”Lam told HKIBC. “I have lots of cash at home, the government pays me my salary in cash because I don’t have a bank account.
But Lam said she was keen to avoid dissuading anyone from serving in the public service, adding, “To be so unfairly sanctioned by the US government is an honor. ”
Lam earns 5.21 million Hong Kong dollars ($ 672,000) a year and is one of the highest paid leaders in the world.
His remarks sparked a backlash from the public, with social media users posting photos of coins in their home piggy banks to contrast Lam’s wealth.
Others wondered how his big salary would be transported to his residence in cash.
In August, Lam told media she faced “a bit of inconvenience” because of the penalties that have hampered her use of credit cards.
