Maintaining judicial independence and safeguarding the territory's autonomy should be the chief executive's priority, according to more than 90 per cent of respondents to a new survey.
Human rights issues and social benefits also won high expectations.
The issue which received lowest attention was relations with China, backed by 79.7 per cent of respondents to the Hong Kong Policy Viewers' poll.
The majority - 85 per cent - hoped the post-97 leader would combat corruption and 'privileged activities'.
More than 80 per cent hoped he would stand firm for the interests of Hong Kong when they clashed with those of the Chinese Government.
Just over 87 per cent expected the chief executive to safeguard press freedom and freedom of speech.
