Hong Kong, Dec. 8 (CNA) A former Hong Kong mafia boss and actor said that the triads in the former British colony are now very "patriotic" (to China).

Michael Chan's remarks were widely cited by Hong Kong website users as the reason for the triads' involvement in opposing the just concluded "Occupy Central" democracy movement.

They don't dare confront China's public security authorities, and "have to do whatever the authorities instruct them to do," said Chan, a former Kungfu movie actor and a leader of the mafia organization 14K, during a recent interview with Chinese media.

Chan, once a Hong Kong prison police, was kicked out of police team for his mafia background.

He has never denied his role as a boss of the 14K triads, saying he was once the No. 2 man of the triad group that claims Tsim Sha Tsui as its turf, with around 500 direct followers.

Tsim Sha Tsui is a major tourist hub in Hong Kong, with many shops and restaurants that cater to tourists.

Now a wine vendor, Chan has in recent years distanced himself from the mafia and movie industry.

He said that since the return of Hong Kong's sovereignty to China in 1997, criminal organizations are now undergoing a transition by engaging in legal businesses such as casinos and restaurants.

"Now Hong Kong's triads are patriotic and obey the orders of the state ... there will be no way to survive if you choose to confront the state," he said.

(By Stanley Cheung & Bear Lee)
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