Ne w SAR government aims to ease pressure on political par ties
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Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet- ngor on Monday said the new government would deliver better policies to “release local political parties from pressure” and “share with them the fruits” gained through development.
The new leader said the government was “more than happy ” to do this. But L am explained that these parties had to show they love Hong Kong and the country, and sincerely uphold the “one country, two systems” principle and the Basic Law. This was despite their different political affiliations, she added.
Lam made the remarks at the reception for the 25 th anniversary of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong ( DAB) — the city ’s biggest political party. This is seen as another step in Lam’s moves to heal the previous administrative- legislative rift after assuming office.
Her efforts have received widespread recognition from the city’s lawmakers. During her lunch gathering with Legislative Council members on Monday, 58 lawmakers attended. Currently, LegCo has 68 legislators.
Lam praised the DAB for its love for Hong Kong, perseverance in promoting “one country, two systems” and its role supervising government policies. She added that the government would continue to work closely with the party. This would include launching more in- depth, people- oriented activities in various districts during her five- year term.
The reception, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai, attracted many political heavyweights. These included Zhang Xiaoming, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Tan Benhong, commander of the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison and Leung Chun- ying, vice- chairman of the country’s top political advisor y body — the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee.
Starry Lee Wai- king, DAB’s chairperson, said in her opening speech that her party would continue to safeguard “one country, two systems” — and support government policies.
Lee said the DAB had developed from a party once composed of just 56 people to the city ’s largest political party with 35,000 members, including 12 LegCo members and 117 district council members.
The party had also established more than 200 services centers in 18 districts, she noted.
The DAB will actively take a role in super vising government policies. Party members would take the initiative to contact senior government officials to help make suggestions about key issues. These include housing, economic development, elderly services, poverty alleviation and education.
Lee revealed this would also include promoting the Belt and Road Initiative and Guangdong- Hong Kong- Macao Greater Bay Area to professionals, the youth and people from the middle classes in the city. This aims to encourage them to make full use of State- level strategies.
A visitor tries to play a
a traditional Chinese stringed musical instrument, at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, on Sunday. It was part of the museum’s Chinese Culture Day, which attracted the public to watch shows and experience Chinese culture.