Our recent major study, 'Hong Kong 2020 - The Big Picture', examined basic weaknesses in the current administrative structure. It cited the multiplicity of subjects in portfolios, the lack of competent deputies, the deferral of long-term priorities to deal with crises and the absence of 'champions' to get things moving.
The government structure proposed by the chief executive-elect will go a long way to remedy these weaknesses.
One concern is that Hong Kong's economy has grown slowly in the last 15 years compared with growth prior to that, and among our neighbours. A coherent economic strategy is required and the proposal to match global trends - by splitting the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau into a Commerce and Industries Bureau and Technology and Communications Bureau - has our strong support.
The Commerce and Industries Bureau will help promote economic and industrial development, while the new Technology and Communications Bureau will ensure that our talent in science and technology can be tapped to support the growth of high value-added industries.
Culture is not just about the arts but the development of society in every aspect, including sports and recreation, traditions and beliefs so people can live life to the full. A minister will search out areas of neglect, develop existing areas to their full potential, invigorate the whole and ensure there are resources to meet these objectives.
Housing, planning and lands are all part of the same policy and if we are to speed up construction, bringing them into collective resolve is essential. As Murray MacLehose said nearly 40 years ago, the shortage of housing is the 'biggest source of unhappiness' in Hong Kong. We should delay action no longer.