Shortly after the last illegally blocked road on Hong Kong Island was re-opened to traffic in Causeway Bay on December 15, Commissioner Tsang Wai-hung issued the following message on POINT, expressing his "profound gratitude" to officers for accomplishing "onerous missions" amid "unprecedented and enormous challenges".

 

"I am pleased to see that the last section of the illegally blocked road in Causeway Bay was finally re-opened and normal traffic and public order in Hong Kong fully restored today. I would like to express my profound gratitude to each and every member of the Force who has remained steadfast, devoted and forbearing at this difficult time. Together you have successfully accomplished the mission of maintaining law and order and safeguarding public safety and public order in the past 79 days.

 

The extended and large-scale unlawful assemblies have brought unprecedented and enormous challenges to the Force and Hong Kong. During the operation, commanders showcased leadership and resolve while frontline duties exhibited extreme patience and professionalism. No matter how complicated or dangerous the situation was, or how onerous the missions were, you all did your very best to overcome every trying situation and took decisive and resolute action to restore public order and maintain public safety.

 

It makes me immensely proud that you have remained perseverant and devoted to your sworn duty selflessly, despite all sorts of stress, danger and difficulties. I wish all the officers injured in this operation a full and speedy recovery. I also note with great pleasure the seamless co-operation among all officers, including our Auxiliary counterparts, civilians, and Station Assistants who played an important role in supporting frontline formations to fully meet its day-to-day policing commitments on top of this prolonged operation.

 

As the agency of the last resort, the vast majority of the public has all along been relying on us to uphold the rule of law. You have more than lived up to their expectation by restoring the public order and public safety in Hong Kong. Once again you have proved to the public that the Force is always here to maintain law and order and to serve the people of Hong Kong. On behalf of Force management, I thank you all for a job remarkably well done".