"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.

 Decoding the message

At first glance, the statement might seem innocent enough -- perhaps even cute. But it's a sharp rebuke to thousands of Hong Kongers who staged a massive protest just three months ago in an unsuccessful call for Leung's resignation.