Former HKSAR chief executive Leung Chun-ying. (Photo: chinadaily.com.cn)

Former HKSAR chief executive Leung Chun-ying on Friday urged Hong Kong society to stand firmly with the nation to counter threats from Western countries.

"We must clearly demonstrate to those countries that Hong Kong is not their colony." The remarks came a day after the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada jointly issued a statement criticizing the national security legislation for Hong Kong. Leung said the legislation was proposed for Hong Kong's interests, thus the city is obligated to act in concert with the nation.