Hong Kong, Jun 9 (IANS): Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will no pay rise for top officials, senior advisers, as well as for herself this year.

In a media briefing, Lam said the decision was taken to show that officials wanted to stand with the people amid the coronavirus pandemic and recession, reports the South China Morning Post.

"We want to be united with the whole society as we get through the difficulties – that's why we are also rolling out various measures to protect employment and create jobs," she said.

Lam's decision came a week after her cabinet, the Executive Council decided that Hong Kong's 180,000 civil servants would have their pay frozen this financial year.

Lam said on Tuesday she hoped civil servants would accept the decision.

"I appeal to civil servants to be understanding, as society wants us to stand with them amid difficulties," she said.

"I can also announce that all political appointees, including myself, the secretaries, undersecretaries and political assistants, will not have our pay increased this year."

Under mounting pressure from lawmakers and the public, Lam announced in April that her pay, and also those of her ministers, would be cut by 10 per cent, said the South China Morning Post report.

Last July, Lam's monthly salary was increased to HK$434,000 ($56,000) a month.

The 10 per cent pay cut means she has been earning about $391,000 a month.