Carrie Lam must urgently rebuild the trust of Hong Kong people in herself and administration
Chua Hoi-wai of Council of Social Service says Lam should exert extra effort to meet and listen to the views of those who did not have votes in the chief executive election
It would be a mistake if Lam thinks she will win people’s support by proposing good policies. The experience of the current government has proved the contrary, as its efforts in land development and poverty alleviation have not boosted the popularity of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and Paul Chan Mo-po at all over the past five years.
“Connect” is the right word, but the problem is with whom. Lam should exert extra effort to meet and listen to the views of those who did not have votes in the chief executive election, not those who have voted for her or the other two candidates.
People’s discontent comes from an unfair political system and the inequality resulting from it. Lam could gain people’s trust if she could truly reflect to Beijing the public demand for universal suffrage, defend the freedom and rights of Hong Kong people and uphold the principle of “Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong”.
There are many civil society organisations which Lam and her future administration could look to find the views of the general public. The government should recognise their positions and engage them proactively in statutory and advisory bodies and in policy-making and public consultation processes.
A strong civil society may challenge the government’s decisions from time to time, but it will also enhance governance in the long run and build a sustainable society.