Donald Tsang Yam-kuen will soon deliver his first policy address since securing a full five-year term. This is the time for him to present a clear vision for the future and to spell out concrete policies for tackling the many and varied challenges faced by our city. During his first two years as chief executive, Mr Tsang could, with some justification, argue that his term was short and there was little time for the launching of bold initiatives. That is no longer the case. Tough policy choices must be made and hard decisions taken. His legacy will be judged accordingly.
At a time when the political climate is calm and the economy is growing at a healthy rate, it is tempting for any leader to simply keep a steady hand on the tiller and avoid tackling difficult issues. Mr Tsang must avoid falling into this trap. As shown in our six-part series, ending today, on the key challenges that lie ahead, Hong Kong must confront a number of problems for which there are no easy solutions. Those on the priority list include public health care and air pollution, a problem Mr Tsang and his ministers have long recognised. Environmental initiatives now include an 18-month review of air quality objectives, a HK$3.2 billion scheme to phase out old diesel vehicles and tax concessions for environmentally friendly private cars.
But the effectiveness of such initiatives remains to be seen. The much-delayed health-care financing reforms are being finalised, but are likely to prove unpopular as they will require mandatory contributions from workers. Whatever the final proposals, it will take a great deal of political will and skill to persuade the public they are necessary.
Meanwhile, growing poverty and a widening wealth gap are already being tackled, but the Poverty Commission was disbanded in June after its term expired, largely because of its ineffectiveness. Lack of open space, air pollution and poor public amenities are becoming known internationally, making the city less attractive to many senior expatriate executives and multinational corporations. Our ageing population will prove to be a serious problem in the medium to long term. By 2015, it is estimated there will be more economically inactive people than active ones. Yet our ability to attract outside talent is in question. Hong Kong's competitiveness, compared with that of rival cities such as Singapore and even Shanghai, is in danger of slowly being eroded. These issues require urgent attention.
A common thread highlighted in our series is that the old consultation and advisory committee system - put in place by the colonial government to gauge public opinion in the absence of an elected government - is failing to meet the needs of a modern society and its citizens. From protecting our heritage and maintaining open space to improving urban planning and air quality, a vocal and vibrant civil society is maturing and making vociferous demands on the government. Officials are only now beginning to develop more open and transparent mechanisms to deal with them.
The government must strive to be more responsive and responsible to the public. But it must also have the courage, having listened carefully, to develop the policies that Hong Kong needs to secure our future success. Sound policies should not be shirked or abandoned at the first sign of criticism or opposition.
