Opinion | Policy address crucially overlooks plight of the middle class
The privilege of an executive-led government is to take a long-term view and CY Leung has certainly taken that approach – but it’s not clear whether out of moral courage or foolhardiness.
The privilege of an “executive-led” government is its supposed ability to take a long-term view and tackle deep-seated problems comprehensively. Leung Chun-ying has certainly taken that approach in his maiden policy address. It’s not clear whether that is moral courage or foolhardiness.
Given his plunging popularity and credibility gap, it’s almost certain he will not have the public support needed to carry out many of his core policies announced on Wednesday – the most important of which is housing and land supply.
Increasing their supply is central to his diagnosis of the sources of the underlying malaise and discontent in our society – and their resolution. But this will take a multi-year policy commitment while when he has far more immediate governance problems to worry about.
The series of measures and proposals in Wednesday’s address will do little to resolve entrenched resistance to his rule, especially among various interest groups and pan-democrats.
“The top priority of the current-term government is to tackle the housing problem,” Leung said.
It has no real appeal to the middle class, a crucial base of support, as many of its families are increasingly dissatisfied with rising medical costs, falling education standards and rising costs of living
“We recognise that problems stemming from property prices and rental, cage homes, cubicle apartments and subdivided units cannot be solved overnight. But we must acknowledge these problems, understand the gravity of the situation, and take the first step forward to resolve them.”