The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's government has said it is not necessary to set up an independent commission of inquiry to look into the Mong Kok riot.

In a statement issued on Monday, the government said the riot was a serious violent incident and that criminal investigations by the police are underway with a view to apprehending all culprits for fair trials and rulings by the court. The statement added that Hong Kong now enjoys free access to information and is a highly democratic and transparent society. It said that Hong Kong people are entitled to freedom of speech and can express their opinions and aspirations on social problems and government administration through different channels. But the expression of views and demands must not be conducted through illegal and violent acts.

Meanwhile, former chief of Hong Kong's security bureau Ambrose Lee said in a radio program that he felt shocked about the riots in Mong Kok. He claimed there are political powers behind the riots and they incite young people to make the wrong decisions. He said the riots were premeditated, as the rioters ambushed the officers during the Lunar New Year period, when there was a smaller police presence.