Next leader will face tough challenges
There is fierce competition between the four candidates for the post of chief executive and there is a lot of public interest in the race.
All the candidates are very experienced in their fields, with three ex-officials having spent a long time in government. However, our society is unstable and sometimes chaotic and the next chief executive will face a lot of challenges.
I think the winner’s greatest concern after being elected will be Hong Kong’s economic prospects. In the US, the new president, Donald Trump, has pledged to bring in reforms that could have a dramatic effect on the global economy. He may implement import tariffs against Chinese goods.
This could affect Hong Kong especially as our currency is pegged to the US dollar. The economic status of Hong Kong could be seriously affected. Therefore, the new chief executive will have to implement measures which can ensure its economy remains successful.
The new leader will also have to tackle the issue of prevailing tensions between some locals and mainland visitors. There has been tension in the past because of what is considered unacceptable behaviour by some mainlanders.
Another reason for the tensions is the massive number of parallel traders who continue flooding into Hong Kong. This harms our pillar industries and the retail trade. The new leader will have to find some solutions that enable all stakeholders to benefit.