Lam widely praised for debate performance
Politicians, academics and current affairs commentators praised Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s performance at an election forum on Tuesday — which for the first time featured three Chief Executive candidates asking each other questions.
They concluded Lam was very knowledgeable about public policies. They noted she was relaxed, and showed composure and confidence.
Lam shared the debate with former financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah and retired judge Woo Kwok-hing at the forum organized by seven electronic media outlets of Hong Kong.
“She is in a class above John Tsang,” observed James Sung Lap-kung, a public policy scholar from the City University of Hong Kong.
“She also showed she was not an aggressive person, respecting her opponents. She asked Tsang a question on taxation, which he was supposed to answer without difficulty. Unfortunately he answered poorly, prompting Woo to tease him,” Sung said.
Sung said because the forum was broadcast live on TV during prime time, people could see Lam’s fine performance. He believes this will boost her popularity ratings as a result.
As for Tsang, Sung said he looked very nervous throughout the debate. “Tsang is not good verbally; he does not express himself clearly and always stutters,” he said.
Convener of Path of Democracy Ronny Tong Ka-wah said Woo was the weakest performer. “He was like an empty barrel because he was not wellprepared and could not answer some of the questions,” he said.
Tong said Tsang obviously targeted Lam while he was rude, showing he was also on the defensive. But Lam controlled her emotions well, without either being timid or over-dramatizing.
“Woo accused Lam of breaching the law by not consulting the public on the Palace Museum project. In fact, the law only says public consultation may be done and it is not a prerequisite. This is why Lam asked him to read the law carefully,” Tong commented.
Tony Kwok Man-wai, former deputy commissioner of the ICAC and a council member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, said that only Lam had made an effort to explain her policy proposals — the first-time homebuyers’ housing scheme, two-tier tax system, financial services commission, liaison platform with the Legislative Council and so on.
“We all know the problems Hong Kong is facing, but we want answers. Lam’s most passionate response was she fully trusted the people of Hong Kong. She will listen to the majority views of people. If they oppose her, she would be prepared to resign,” Kwok said.
Lam was always smiling and calm. Her final speech was definitely the best, setting out a clear direction for the future. It was passionate and showed she is truly committed, Kwok added.
Chow Pak-chin, president of Wisdom Hong Kong, said Lam is clearly the best candidate among the three CE contenders. He felt Lam, in the debate, showed “the bearing of a general”.
Lam’s performance during the debate reflected her strong preparation. The former chief secretary’s arguments about medical issues showed her interest in that sector. Her policy on first-time homebuyers was a highlight in the debate because people’s livelihoods are a major concern in Hong Kong, Chow commented.
Lam’s commitment to uniting society and communicating with the grassroots also shows her sense of responsibility. This is an ideal quality for a CE, he added.
Zhou Bajun, a veteran current affairs commentator in Hong Kong, believed the debate showed Lam possesses the right qualities to lead Hong Kong.
She demonstrated considerable knowledge of the city’s deep-seated social and economic problems. She showed an unwavering commitment to tackle them, he said.
Zhou said Hong Kong is confronted by complicated problems. It therefore needs a leader ready to cope with such challenges. Lam promised to continue the incumbent administration’s sound policies while embracing a new style of governance.
Lam was obviously more confident than the other two candidates in answering the questions and explaining her policies. The confidence and firmness stem from her experience and knowledge, he added.
Helen Yu Lai Ching-ping, former director of Education Department and Buildings Department, said Lam was composed and confident.
Lam was sincere and relaxed. Her answers were clear, concise, direct and to the point. She knows her plans and offers honest answers, Yu added.
She (Carrie Lam) is in a class above John Tsang. ... She also showed she was not an aggressive person, respecting her opponents.”
James Sung Lap-kung, public policy scholar from the City University of Hong Kong