Ex-security chief anointed Hong Kong’s next leader
A former security chief who oversaw the crackdown on Hong Kong’s democracy movement was anointed the business hub’s new leader on Sunday by a small committee of Beijing loyalists. John Lee, 64, was the only candidate in the Beijingbacked race to succeed outgoing leader Carrie Lam.
The elevation of Lee, subject of US sanctions, places a security official in the top job for the first time after a tumultuous few years for a city battered by political unrest and debilitating pandemic controls.
After a secret ballot on Sunday, 99 per cent (1,416 members) voted for Lee while eight voted against, according to officials. Beijing hailed the near-unanimous result saying it showed “Hong Kong society has a high level of recognition and approval” for Lee.
“This is a real demonstration of democratic spirit,” the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said in a statement.
Outgoing leader Carrie Lam is on track to leave office with recordlow approval ratings.
According to a survey in March by the Public Opinion Research Institute, about 24 per cent of the public has confidence in Lee, compared with 12 per cent for Lam.
Waiting in a line outside a restaurant on Sunday, 25-year-old resident Alex Tam said he and his friends were paying little attention to proceedings.
“It’s just an empty gesture,” he told AFP. “If he didn’t listen to the protesters, I don’t see how he would listen to young people now, especially those who criticise the government.”
Retired businessman Yeung wing-shun was more positive, saying he hoped Lee would guide Hong Kong with a “firm hand”, adding that he believed the new leader could bring different sectors together.
Lee will take office on July 1, the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China from Britain.
China agreed that Hong Kong could maintain certain freedoms and autonomy for 50 years after retaking control from Britain under a “One Country, Two Systems” formula. Beijing and Lee say that formula is still intact. — afp