‘Nanny’ faces inconsolable protesters
Hong Kong’s new leader has the daunting task of calming political tensions in divided city
Hong Kong, March 26: Hong Kong’s new leader Carrie Lam, seen as tough and capable by supporters but hated by the prodemocracy camp, faces a difficult task in calming political tensions in the divided city.
Voted in as chief executive on Sunday by a committee weighted towards Beijing, critics say she will only further polarise a society riven by protests two years ago that centred on fears of China’s growing influence.
Ms Lam, who will be the first woman to run Hong Kong, rose through the ranks as a career civil servant before taking public office. Ms Lam, a longtime civil servant, is nicknamed “the nanny” because of her background running numerous government projects.
She served as deputy to Hong Kong’s outgoing leader Leung Chun-ying and is tainted by her association with an unpopular figure who was criticised for doing Beijing’s bidding while in office. Ms Lam is also nicknamed “wetnurse” by opponents in a jibe over what they say was fawning loyalty towards her former boss. Her negative image among activists was sealed when she promoted a Beijing-backed reform package rejected as “fake democracy” by opponents.
The plan triggered mass street protests in 2014 that paralysed the city for more than two months but failed to win concessions from Beijing on fully free leadership elections.
Ms Lam has made no commitment to revisit the political reform debate, instead trying to connect with the public on livelihood issues. The 59-yearold cast herself as a force for change on the campaign trail, focusing on issues such as poverty and housing which have also fuelled unrest.
Although she was well behind main rival John Tsang in most opinion polls before the vote, she had strong support among older residents.
Ex-finance minister Tsang, seen as a more moderate establishment figure, garnered backing from young people. Ms Lam was widely perceived as Beijing’s favoured candidate throughout the race and was viewed as the most likely winner.