How Carrie Lam’s soft pink cheongsam signalled a new style in Hong Kong politics
Alice Wu says the new Hong Kong chief executive’s inaugural outfit was a striking political act and a nod to woman power, and the reconciliatory air of her first Legco appearance has brought hope of better days for a divided society
Lam’s wish to improve executive-legislative relations could not be more clear
She was definitely setting the tone with the dusty pink, and we’ve already seen that in her first week in office. Political prowess comes in many styles and Lam looks to have got it right. Softer doesn’t make her weak, and she demonstrated that in her first question-and-answer session at the Legislative Council. Lam chose to resume the practice of former chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, taking her place to the right of the Legco president, in stark contrast to her predecessor and last boss, Leung Chun-ying, whose stage would be set up directly in front. In this, she demonstrated her intention to walk and work side by side by with Legco. She did not need to assert her authority by placing herself front and centre. Giving Legco its due respect, Lam’s wish to improve executive-legislative relations could not be more clear. Adding to that is her intention to be present at Legco more frequently.
Watch: Carrie Lam chooses to stand to the right of Legco president
And credit must be given to the pan-democrats who stood up as she entered the chamber, showing not only to the Hong Kong people, but the central government as well, that they too can be respectful hosts. This is indeed indicative of political fresh air. We may be able to breathe again; the toxic political air of the past five years looks to have been lifted.
Political prowess comes in many styles, and Lam has got it right. Softer doesn’t make her weak
But Lam did more than that. She understands that timing, in politics, is everything. She has got education lawmaker Ip Kin-yuen, a member of the “opposition”, to “hope” that his colleagues in the Finance Committee will approve the funding before the summer break, so that the money becomes available for the next school year.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam doles out extra billions in education spending spree
The Civic Party’s Tanya Chan and Democrat Helena Wong Pik-wan have already made known their support for it. For the opposition to turn advocate for the government, on an issue-to-issue basis, is more than just a sign of healthy politics; the fact that it was almost unimaginable with the previous administration bears real and serious significance.