CE’s last Policy Address remains proactive
Leung closes remarks with affirmation of ‘One Country, Two Systems’
Economic development, innovation, welfare and housing stood out as highlights of Hong Kong’s latest Policy Address on Wednesday.
The annual blueprint — the last from Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying — intended to provide a solid foundation for the next administration, the CE said.
Leung attributed Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability to the implementation of the Basic Law, which allows the city to maximize the dual advantages of “One Country, Two Systems”.
Marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s reunification with the country, the city will organize a series of celebrations under the theme of “Together, Progress, Opportunities”, the Policy Address revealed.
By continuing the implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, Hong Kong will deepen its cooperation with the mainland and stay committed to contributing to the nation’s development, Leung said.
“Development”, with 135 mentions in the 20,000-word document, “public”, “services”, “land” and “elderly”, were the words pointing to policy directions, which appeared most frequently in the Policy Address.
Leung cautioned the city to be vigilant about future challenges. “Experience around the world clearly shows that economic growth and a low unemployment rate cannot be taken for granted,” Leung said.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong should continue its participation in the nation’s Belt and Road Initiative, and open up more opportunities through the mainland and Hong Kong’s Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA).
To create a new impetus for economic and social development, the government vowed to press ahead with innovation and technology development.
The Policy Address also introduced many new initiatives to deal with livelihood issues. By announcing an enhancement to the existing Old Age Living Allowance and releasing the plan to abolish the offsetting mechanism of the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF), the government intended to put in place a “reasonable and sustainable” social welfare system, Leung said.
The MPF-offsetting issue had long been disputed between the city’s business sector and employees. The government will handle it in a progressive manner, according to the Policy Address.
Meanwhile, housing remains one of the top concerns of the government. Leung said the administration will continue to expedite and increase land supply. According to official statistics, the projected supply of first-hand residential properties for the coming three to four years had hit a record high in 12 years.
Having announced that he will not run for re-election, Leung hoped the next government would continue the current livelihood policies as they require “consistent longterm efforts”.
Among the CE hopefuls who have announced their plans to run in the election in March, former chief secretary for administration Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who had been in charge of poverty alleviation and housing development, was widely seen as keen to continue the incumbent administration’s legacy in solving livelihood issues.
In closing the last Policy Address of his tenure, Leung urged the public to recognize that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China. This is both a legal fact and an internationally recognized political reality, leaving no room for Hong Kong to become independent or separate from the country in any manner.
Amid international relations of great complexity, it is the obligation of each and every Hong Kong resident to safeguard our country’s sov-
Amid international relations of great complexity, it is the obligation of each and every Hong Kong resident to safeguard our country’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.” Leung Chun-ying, Chief Executive
ereignty, security and territorial integrity, Leung stressed.
The Policy Address received widespread support. The Chairwoman of the city’s largest political party — the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) — Starry Lee Wai-king praised the incumbent administration for being proactive in pushing forward economic development and improving people’s quality of life.
She said it was “detailed and with commitment” and offered pragmatic advice for the next government.
Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong lawmaker Priscilla Leung Meifun affirmed the current administration’s efforts in addressing the housing issue and increasing land supply.