SCMP Editorial

Editorial | A detailed platform is crucial if John Lee wants broad support

General principles are fine but the public rightly expects concrete proposals from Hong Kong’s leader in-waiting

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Hong Kong’s sole chief executive candidate John Lee Ka-chiu visits grass-roots communities in Yau Mei Tai. Photo: Handout

SCMP Editorial

Published: 7:00am, 26 Apr 2022

Hong Kong’s chief executive election may fall short of the standards expected of a democratic and competitive leadership race. But it does not mean John Lee Ka-chiu can just sit back and wait to be crowned the city’s next leader.

With the ballot only two weeks away, the sole candidate has been penning his campaign platforms and meeting some selected individuals and families as part of his community reachout. It is important that he continues to engage the wider public and map out concrete policy targets and action plans to make good his promises in the five-year term.

The former government No 2 official met members of the Election Committee in the early stage of his campaign. As social-distancing restrictions have been relaxed, he has also reached out to low-income families and ethnic minority groups. The visits behind closed doors might have prevented direct media coverage. But with the Covid-19 fifth wave still lingering, large gatherings should be avoided.

Lee’s community visits have also raised concerns whether he is prepared to listen to a wider spectrum of opinions. The Sunday activities were said to have been organised by Beijing-friendly bodies and have left some non-establishment groups feeling alienated.

The arrangements may leave a bitter taste in a city that has become more politically divided under Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s leadership. A more inclusive approach will not only enable Lee to hear different views, it will also help engage the wider public and rebuild a more harmonious society.

There are those who dismiss the campaign as just a show. Even though Lee’s victory is a foregone conclusion, he is still required to go through the standing procedures to win the support of the Election Committee and the public. This includes facing 7.5 million people and making comprehensive and concrete promises.