Carrie Lam vows to continue sound policies

Chief Executive contender Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Wednesday she will try to find an approach to governance which best suits Hong Kong today.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday morning, Lam said that if elected the city’s next leader she will also continue the current administration’s governing philosophy. This emphasizes integrity and seeks change while maintaining stability.

Her remarks came an hour before Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying delivered his last Policy Address at the Legislative Council.

Lam, former chief secretary for administration — No 2 in the SAR government — resigned from her post last Thursday. She announced her plan to run for the city’s top job on Monday.

Having worked closely with Leung in the past four and a half years, Lam said the current government had implemented successful policies such as in housing, poverty alleviation and environment protection. She added that these good policies should be carried forward.

As a Chief Executive aspirant, Lam stressed that her position will not change due to the changes in her circumstances. She said she will uphold her principles and assume responsibility for her policies if she is elected.

The former chief secretary added that she will continue to encourage public engagement when it comes to major social issues. It is important to listen to opinions from dif- ferent sections of the community, she said, believing the city’s leader should be approachable and willing to listen.

Having worked in the civil service since 1980, Lam described her 36 years of experience as a valuable asset in winning support. But she appealed to the public to get to know her from a fresh perspective. She said she will try to explain to the public the reasons she is running for Chief Executive and the vision she has outlined for Hong Kong.

Scheduled to announce her manifesto on Feb 3, Lam appealed for public understanding that the CE is responsible to the central government and the 7 millionplus Hong Kong residents. She expressed the belief that the CE election will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

The election will be held on March 26. As well as Lam, retired judge Woo Kwok-hing and New People’s Party Chairwoman Regina Ip Lau Sukyee have also announced that they will run in the race.

The current government has implemented successful policies such as in housing, poverty alleviation and environment protection.” Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive contender