In break with tradition, Carrie Lam to keep maiden policy speech short and answer more questions

Hong Kong’s leader will break with tradition in her maiden policy address, delivering a shorter speech to devote more time to answer questions.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor is expected to spend less than an hour on Wednesday’s speech – a drastic change from her predecessor Leung Chun-ying, whose final address in January lasted for nearly two hours.

Similar to a state of the nation address, the annual policy address at the Legislative Council allows Hong Kong’s chief executive to present a policy blueprint to lawmakers that they hope to achieve during their administration.

Analysts have said Lam’s speech is expected to focus on tax reforms, funding for education and elderly services, and fixing the city’s housing shortage.

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While her speech may have a shorter running time, that did not mean she will skim over details, Executive Council convener Bernard Chan, who is an adviser to Lam, said. Instead, he said, the more concise speech will keep the focus on her priorities for the next five years.