Story highlights Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader C.Y. Leung asks city's residents to be like 'sheep'

Leung's nickname among detractors is 'wolf'

Hong Kong (CNN) Hong Kong's unpopular chief executive C.Y. Leung, nicknamed "the wolf" by detractors, has one Lunar New Year's request for his city's people:

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"Last year was no easy ride for Hong Kong," said the pro-Beijing leader in an official statement released Wednesday.

"In the coming year, I hope that all people in Hong Kong will take inspiration from the sheep's character and pull together in an accommodating manner to work for Hong Kong's future.

"Sheep are widely seen to be mild and gentle animals living peacefully in groups," explained Leung.

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