A small booklet attached to Donald Tsang Yam-kuen's last policy address lists 104 bullet points to flag what he called major achievements of the government under his second term as the city's chief executive, from 2007 until now. These achievements cover issues ranging from a caring society, investing in the future and quality of life to economic growth and democratic development.
Tsang certainly tried hard to present himself as a campaigner for the underdog, highlighting his relief measures for the poor and the introduction of minimum wages for low-income earners. He also highlighted his contribution in promoting clean energy, setting into motion universal suffrage and building large-scale infrastructure projects such as the cross-border railway and bridge.
At least in public, the chief executive wants to appear confident when talking about his record, saying he has no regrets.
'I have spent 40-something years in public service; whatever I do I have [no problem] to face myself and the people of Hong Kong,' he said.
'I have not done anything against my conscience or against Hong Kong people's interests, although the right to judge my performance lies in their hands. Sometimes when I feel I did well the citizens may not think so. But no matter what, I [will] rectify anything I have done wrong,' he said.
Dr Mo Pak-hung, associate professor in Baptist University's department of economics, said that while Tsang did make positive contributions in pushing forward the major infrastructure projects that provided jobs and economic growth opportunities, he might have also laid a ticking time bomb for future generations. 'Tsang did well to boost the economy by realising these large infrastructure projects, but the minimum wages established during his reign could have far-reaching negative implications for the economy. Under the influence of ballot-led politics, Hong Kong could be on the road to become today's debt-stricken Greece,' he said.
Critical of the HK$28 minimum hourly wage rule applauded by unionists, Mo said Tsang had chosen the worst way to address poverty. He said the minimum wage was likely to trigger a series of vicious cycles characterised by high inflation, low productivity, unemployment and high public spending.