Analysis CY Leung's policy address delivers the goods in most departments
Philip Yeung lauds C.Y. Leung for a blueprint that strikes a balance between meeting current needs and planning for the future - and putting the poor and disadvantaged at the heart of new policies
Few expected any surprises from the chief executive's second policy address. In fact, many had no expectations of any kind; a Chinese University survey showed that as many as 45 per cent of people polled were in that category.
But, given the year of disquiet we have been through, there was a sense of urgency about this year's unveiling of Leung Chun-ying's plan of action for Hong Kong.
Leung has been vilified in some quarters, unfairly in my view. Compared with his predecessor, who was known for his "hate the poor" and "cuddle the rich" policies that have left nearly 20 per cent of the population living in poverty, Leung is showing that he is a leader of the people.
After seven or more years of neglect, livelihood issues are finally getting the attention they deserve. To his credit, Leung has been true to his campaign commitment to do something to address poverty, which features prominently in his latest policy address.
While the Commission on Poverty was first initiated in 2005, it was disbanded just two years later, as if its work was done. Now reinstated, the commission has defined the poverty line for the first time in Hong Kong's history and the needs of the working poor are also being catered to. Further, progress in poverty alleviation will be reviewed annually.
In large measure, this policy address was about helping the poor, the elderly, the disabled and the disadvantaged - people who have been socially excluded from a wealthy society.