My team is no lame duck, says Tsang
Outgoing Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen yesterday denied his government was having transition problems with the incoming administration.
However, political analysts disagreed, while a review by the South China Morning Post identified at least five policy areas that could be overhauled by chief executive-elect Leung Chun-ying, prompting questions about the continuity of existing policy.
'I have the same target with Leung in ensuring a smooth transition of the two administrations. It is of the utmost priority for my government,' Tsang said. 'We maintain constant communication.'
His remarks came after Leung this week said the quota for private hospitals to accept pregnant mainlanders who do not have Hong Kong husbands should be 'zero' next year, while mainland mothers who give birth in Hong Kong would 'very likely' not gain permanent residency for their children.
Leung's comments raised questions about whether the current government had been fully informed in advance, especially Secretary for Food and Health Dr York Chow Yat-ngok, who had been expected to reduce the quota from 31,000. Tsang denied his government was a 'lame duck', saying it played a role in shaping his successor's 'zero' quota.
Banning private hospitals from admitting pregnant mainlanders is just one of the expected shake-ups after Leung takes over on July 1. Doubts have also been cast on the continuity of other policies, including the waste incinerator planned for Shek Kwu Chau, the rent-to-buy housing scheme for the middle class, the mechanism of providing land for development, and the adjustment of MTR fares. Professor Lam Wai-fung, who specialises in public governance at the University of Hong Kong, said the five examples demonstrated a need to improve government transition.
'It isn't just about communications between two officials. Other policy participants like private hospitals and political parties need to be engaged and informed of the proposed changes,' he said.
Leung's early intervention could trigger huge public criticism if the public was not supportive of the ban, he added.
Lam said changes brought by new leadership were common in democratic countries. 'The public should be ready for change. My concern is whether Leung can ensure civil servants would be able to deal with the handover and to implement the new policies.'
Ma Ngok, associate professor of politics at Chinese University, criticised Leung for using public preference to exert pressure on the existing government over the mainland mothers issue. He said the transition problem might stem from lack of coordination in the Chief Executive's Office or weakness in Leung's office.
Lingnan University political scientist Li Pang-kwong said that in some countries the outgoing administration would brief the incoming on its work plans before the end of its term to avoid embarrassment.
'No matter what Donald Tsang says, the perception is formed - he lacks communication with Leung over policies, and it jeopardises the public's confidence in the government,' Li said.
A spokeswoman for Leung's office said it would maintain regular communications with Tsang's office.