Top liaison official extols ‘unshakable’ foundations of Hong Kong’s stability
The “One Country, Two Systems” principle and the Basic Law of Hong Kong are “unshakable” foundations for the city’s prosperity and stability, the central government’s top liaison official said in the SAR on Thursday.
Speaking two months before the upcoming Chief Executive election, Zhang Xiaoming, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR, hoped the city can “seize new opportunities” and enjoy a “harmonious and progressive” year under the new administration.
He urged the city’s government and its people to make concerted efforts to improve economic development and people’s livelihoods. They should also help young people who want to launch their careers start businesses and buy homes.
Zhang made the remarks at annual Spring Festival Reception the office hosted. Among the guests were the outgoing Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa, and two CE contenders Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee.
The year 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the city’s reunification with the country. Zhang described Hong Kong as being “as glamorous as ever”. Under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, the city has maintained its advantages and fixed some of its problems, Zhang said.
He said the capitalist system, the rule of law, the city’s world leading financial status and its core values had remained unchanged.
Zhang also said “One Country, Two Systems” had provided Hong Kong people with “unprecedented democratic rights and wider freedoms”, as well as stronger support from the country.
Zhang also praised outgoing CE Leung Chun-ying for his firm implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy in the past four and a half years, and his pragmatic approach to tackling acute social issues in housing, poverty, elderly care and support for the disadvantaged.
Zhang spoke highly of Hong Kong people’s efforts in fighting against separatism, saying it proved “justice will prevail over evil”.
He urged society to display mutual respect and tolerance, resist politicization. Hong Kong should return to a pragmatic and rational approach to resolving disputes, Zhang said.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, CE hopeful Carrie Lam said she wanted to see an open and fair election.
As former financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah announced his decision to run for the city’s top job on Thursday, Lam said this will intensify the competition, but she will continue her efforts to win support.
Also at the reception, National People’s Congress Standing Committee member Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai said Hong Kong needs a CE willing to listen to opinions from various sectors.
Offering her support to Lam’s bid to become the next CE, Fan said Lam’s handling of the illegal “Occupy Central” movement proved that she is capable of communicating with different types of people.