Opposition lawmakers took aim at the government's plans for rescuing Hong Kong's ailing economy in a question-and-answer session Thursday that became heated when one legislator told unpopular chief executive Tung Chee-hwa he should quit.
Tung faced a hail of criticism a day after announcing pay cuts and tax hikes in a bid to reduce a record budget deficit.
Hong Kong's small political opposition accused him of offering no measures to tackle unemployment or bolster public confidence in his administration.
"Have you considered stepping down as chief executive so that more capable people can give it a try and do a better job?" asked Albert Ho of the Democratic Party.
Tung, who was taking questioning from lawmakers in response to his annual policy address, said Ho's finger-pointing was not appropriate.
"Hong Kong's economic problems will not be solved by you or some other people ridiculing me," said Tung. "This is not the time to put the blame on you or me."
Tung announced Wednesday that he and other senior officials would take a 10 percent pay cut to help bring down Hong Kong's growing budget deficit, which is expected to hit a record of more than 70 billion Hong Kong dollars (US$9 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 31.
The chief executive also said the government will raise taxes.
But he has been unable to shake criticism that he has failed to come up with new ideas to revive an economy that has long been stagnating. Unemployment hit a record 7.8 percent in the May-July quarter.
As Tung walked into the Legislative Council for his 75-minute session with lawmakers, about 20 protesters jeered loudly and tore apart copies of Tung's policy address then threw the pieces of paper at him.
"Down with Tung Chee-hwa," chanted the demonstrators, who held up a banner that said: "Overthrow the Hong Kong government."
About 40 followers of the Falun Gong meditation sect gathered outside the Legislative Council chambers, urging China to free three Hong Kong people now in custody in the mainland.
China has outlawed Falun Gong as an "evil cult" and is attempting to wipe out the group on the mainland, but it remains legal in Hong Kong and its adherents frequently protest here.