“Hong Kong enjoys press freedom and the freedom of speech, which are fully protected by the Basic Law. However, I oppose any untrue, biased, defamatory, and misleading messages,” Lee told reporters as he returned from his three-day trip to Chongqing on Friday afternoon.

“People who believe the government is at fault can criticize; they do that every day.

“Media organizations have to consider in their routine operation if the messages they deliver to the public can meet public expectation, social responsibility and professional code of conduct,” Lee added.

The cartoon comic strip is created by political cartoonist Wong Kei-kwan, also known by his pen name “Zunzi.”

His latest controversial comic strip implies that even people with low test scores or health issues can become members of a firefighting committee as long as the superior deems appropriate.

That comic strip was then criticized by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Alice Mak Mei-kuen. It marked the sixth time the comic strip was targeted by the SAR government in the past seven months.

As for Zunzi’s books being pulled from public libraries, Lee said libraries have professionals to vet and decide if the materials abide by the law and are suitable for the public.

Relevant laws include the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance.