Lam outlines political vision at campaign rally
Housing, education and economy top the CE candidate’s election agenda
Chief Executive hopeful Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Friday that housing, economic development and education are the top priorities of her election platform.
The former chief secretary for administration also vowed to bring a “new style of governance” to the next-term government if elected — with a more open and proactive approach to the future.
Lam outlined her vision at a sharing session on Friday before over 800 guests. This was her biggest campaign rally since she joined the CE race in January.
She said the policy frame- work was worked out after communication with different sectors. With the campaign theme “We Connect”, Lam urged the community to “set aside differences and connect”.
Lam acknowledged that social discontent and political divisions in the city had deepened and this was hurting Hong Kong’s economic development and future prospects.
“By reuniting a divided society, Hong Kong will have the impetus to grow our economy, improve people’s livelihoods and provide hope to our next generation,” she said.
“We care, we listen and we act. I hope to connect with you all as I believe Hong Kong can definitely be a better place,” Lam said.
A more detailed political platform will be released in the coming weeks, she added.
Housing remains one of the “top concerns” of Hong Kong people, noted Lam. She, there- fore, pledged to alleviate the home-purchase difficulties and improve people’s living conditions by increasing land releases and speeding up construction of residential buildings.
She also discussed her ideas for developing a diversified economy and creating quality jobs. Lam said she will promote the development of new industries such as innovation and technology while enhancing the competitiveness of the city’s traditional economic pillar industries. These include finance, shipping, logistics and the tourism industries.
Lam also pledged to invest more in social welfare so the underprivileged can benefit from the city’s development.
She said the government must shift its role from being a supervisor to that of a facilitator. Meanwhile, if elected, she would adopt a new fiscal philosophy to make better use of the city’s reserves and to invest in the future, Lam said.
The veteran politician also vowed to reform the city’s education system, create a stable, caring and inspiring environment for students and educators.
“That is the best investment for the future,” Lam said.
She also reassured the public of her determination to safeguard the rule of law, judicial independence and the core values Hong Kong people treasure.
The CE election will be held in March. So far, four major contenders have emerged including Lam, former financial secretary John Tsang Chunwah, lawmaker and Chairwoman of New People’s Party Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee and retired judge Woo Kwok-hing.