Discontent rises, so does trust in future
Public dissatisfaction with the government is growing, with 59 per cent of Hongkong respondents saying they are unhappy with its performance compared with 55 per cent three months ago, according to a Home Affairs Bureau survey.
However, confidence in Hong Kong's future has shown a marked improvement, the poll, conducted between August 4 and August 8, has revealed.
It found that the number of respondents who expected Hong Kong's economy to improve in the coming 12 months had risen to 26 per cent, up from 18 per cent in May, while the number thinking otherwise fell 16 percentage points to 20 per cent.
The Home Affairs Bureau said it was pleased to see that the community was becoming more positive about the future of Hong Kong.
Increased co-operation with the Pearl River Delta, the signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, the increasing number of mainland visitors and the gradual return of long-haul international travellers meant Hong Kong's economy was on the verge of recovery, he said.
In other findings, 59 per cent of respondents were satisfied with their financial circumstances, while 21 per cent were satisfied with Hong Kong's economic situation. The corresponding figures in the May survey were 60 per cent and 22 per cent.
The survey also found that 28 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the government's overall performance.
People still fear losing their jobs. According to the survey findings, 'labour-related problems' have overtaken 'economy-related problems' to become the issue of most concern, with 49 per cent of respondents citing the issue.
