Alibaba's Jack Ma Says Government Should Stick to Governing

"Protecting the backward forces who are crying out loud will be the most important factor in destroying innovation," Mr. Ma said. Mr. Ma's comments came a week after he announced his plans to retire in one year as executive chairman of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., the internet giant with businesses in online retailing, cloud computing and mobile payments. Mr. Ma said he wanted time to pursue philanthropic interests, but some observers saw his decision as part of the fallout from China's authoritarian government increasing restrictions on internet companies. In recent weeks, Tencent Holdings Ltd.'s shares plunged as the government announced its plan to tighten its grip on videogames. Ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing Technology Co. has come under government scrutiny after police said a driver killed a female passenger, the second since May.