Tung Chee-hwa is expected to be greeted by groups of noisy protesters when he arrives to deliver his first policy address of his second five-year term to the Legislative Council on Wednesday. In his last policy address in October 2001, Mr Tung and his aides were greeted by both the pro-democracy camp and pro-government parties who petitioned him to improve the economy. His question and answer session a few days later was also disrupted by veteran activist 'Long Hair' Leung Kwok-hung, who was arrested but later released without charge. This year, hundreds of activists are expected to stage an overnight sit-in in Chater Garden ahead of Wednesday's meeting, and will petition Mr Tung before he delivers his speech at 2.30pm. Legislator Lee Cheuk-yan of the Confederation of Trade Unions said 12 political, civic and grassroots groups would demand improved political rights, social welfare and employment conditions. 'We will call for the abolition of money politics, and for a return of wealth to the people,' he said. The Livelihood Coalition will demand fare cuts for all public transport, welfare improvements for the elderly and more jobs. Activists have again vowed to interrupt Mr Tung during the meeting. Koo Sze-yiu, Mr Leung's colleague in the April Fifth Action Group, said they would station members inside the Legco chamber to shout slogans. However, the pro-Beijing camp is not keen on continuing previous protests outside the Legco Building on issues including unemployment and the economy. It appears likely to tone down recent high-profile campaigns staged on issues such as the proposed anti-subversion law and livelihood issues. Leung Fu-wah of the Federation of Trade Unions said: 'Even the government cannot help much on these issues.' Civil service unions, which mobilised more than 30,000 staff to march in protest against an enforced pay cut last year, have said they will not turn out for the address to petition the chief executive over further possible cuts.
