Live updates: CY underscores housing as his top priority
Leung says a shortage in the supply of housing has pushed up property prices and rental substantially. He notes that many families have to move into smaller or older flats, or even factory buildings. Cramped living space in cage homes, cubicle apartments and sub-divided flats has become the reluctant choice for tens of thousands of Hong Kong people.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying rolls out measures in his maiden policy address on Wednesday morning to address deep-rooted social problems like housing, environmental protection, the ageing population and economic development.
Links for the policy address:
Updated 1.15pm
Leung praises the civil service as an important asset to Hong Kong, before ending his inaugural speech. At the end, he pledges that he will safeguard the interests of the people, and uphold the core values of Hong Kong, including human rights, rule of law, clean government, freedom and democracy, tolerance of different stances and views, and respect for press freedom.
Updated 1.12pm
On constitutional development, Leung says he will promote and achieve the ultimate aim of universal suffrage in accordance with the Basic Law and the decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.