John Tsang joins CE election, stresses unity
Hong Kong should restore social unity to further integrate with the mainland and engage the world, former financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah said on Thursday.
Tsang made the comments as he announced his bid to run in the Chief Executive election and explained his vision.
He said trust, unity and hope are the three main themes of his campaign. Tsang explained that it is vital today to build trust, unite society and reignite hopes in Hong Kong.
Appearing rather relaxed, Tsang used the occasion to show his love and support for the country and criticize people who advocate “Hong Kong independence”.
Hong Kong’s greatness shines from the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, a unique framework that best suits the city’s development, Tsang said. He also expressed confidence that Hong Kong would maintain its advantages on the back of the country’s economic strength and visionary strategies such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
Tsang stressed the need to stop disruptive elements in the city, such as irrational talk about “independence” and confrontations. These have torn society apart and threaten to curb economic growth in Hong Kong.
He urged people to recognize and preserve the core values which are the foundation of Hong Kong’s success. These include the rule of law, fairness, freedom, diversity, inclusiveness, democracy, and caring for others. He said the government should be the custodian of such values and strengths.
He vowed to fix problems which emerge in a free-market capitalist system and to address livelihood issues.
Tsang supported the plans mentioned by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in the 2017 Policy Address to find more land through reclamation and urban renewal to build housing units.
He said he could listen to people and was receptive of good advice. Tsang described himself as always being surrounded by people with diverse talents and experience.
He envisioned Hong Kong as a place with a great future for young people. They could raise a family, work hard, realize their ambitions and contribute to Hong Kong’s development.
On the question of whether he will reopen constitutional reform if elected, he said the current political atmosphere remained much the same as in 2014. Tsang said he feared another round of reform would not succeed, adding that it would be irresponsible to raise an issue that may cause greater discord.
Tsang, who once called the post of CE as “an unpleasing job”, is the fourth well-known public figure who will contend in the election. The others are retired judge Woo Kwok-hing, New People’s Party Chairwoman Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee and former chief secretary for administration Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.
The two-week nomination period starts on Feb 14 and polling day is scheduled for March 26.