China-backed Lam to lead Hong Kong

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 yesterday 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.

Lam, who will be the first woman to run Hong Kong, rose through the ranks as a career civil servant before taking public office.

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.

Her negative image among activists was sealed when she promoted a Beijing-backed reform package rejected by opponents as “fake democracy”. The plan triggered mass street protests in 2014. Lam, 59, has made no commitment to revisit the political reform debate, instead trying to connect with the public on livelihood issues like poverty and housing, which have also fuelled unrest.

Although she was well behind her main rival, former finance minister John Tsang, in most opinion polls before the vote, she had strong support among older residents.

Lam was widely perceived as Beijing’s favoured candidate throughout the race and was viewed as the most likely winner. She eventually won by 777 votes, against Tsang’s 365.

Lam has promised to try to build consensus and restore faith and hope in Hong Kong. But she has also said she would strengthen the relationship between Hong Kong and China. – AFP