More ‘inclusive’ platforms needed for policy discussion: former education chief

An executive councillor has called for the setting up of platforms to involve interested parties, officials and members of the public, particularly young people, to discuss pressing issues and forge consensus on policy proposals.

Fanny Law Fan Chiu-fun – who was education chief from 1998 to 2006 – said the establishment of “inclusive platforms” where evidence-based discussion on policies could be conducted, was badly needed as the city’s system of advisory committees was not effective in forging consensus on long-term issues.

In a recent interview with the Post, Law said Hong Kong faces the same problems that plague the US and UK, such as conflict between the rich and the poor, as well as lack of social mobility.

“We must give the people of Hong Kong hope and engage them, so that they will know what opportunities they have,” Law said.

“People, particularly the younger generation, want to have their voices heard in the decision-making process. They don’t think the existing system of advisory committees – whose members are appointed by the government – and commissioning consultancy studies can make their voices heard.”

But a spokesman for the Home Affairs Bureau insisted the operation of advisory and statutory bodies is generally smooth and efficient.

Law suggested setting up platforms to involve more stakeholders to discuss issues like housing and constitutional development.