(SCMP, July 1, 2003)
A year ago today, Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa embarked on his second five-year term by promising a new style of governance. Central to his plans was the accountability system, which was intended to mark a fresh start for his administration. We were promised, among other things, that it would make the government more sensitive to the needs of the community.
Much depended on the new system. Hong Kong was facing unprecedented problems, with unemployment at a record high, a mounting budget deficit, and little sign of a rebound in our economic fortunes. Mr Tung's popularity had plummeted and his government stood accused of being weak, indecisive and out of touch. The new system, which saw the appointment of ministers accountable to Mr Tung, was hailed as the answer to our problems.
Expectations ran high.
Twelve months later, the system has failed to deliver. The same criticisms of the Tung administration continue to be heard, and its popularity has sunk.
The Sars outbreak was largely responsible for dashing hopes of a quick economic recovery. But the government's inability to quickly respond to the crisis in its early stages has exposed its inefficiencies and deepened discontent.
