Hong Kong leader delivers needed message of hope

Her maiden policy address not only highlighted the need for assistance in housing, innovation and business, but also help for the less well off. However whether she can bridge the political divide remains to be seen

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Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam leaves after delivering her policy address at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Photo: AP

Published: 3:30am, 12 Oct 2017Updated: 5:01pm, 17 Oct 2017

Amid growing calls for change, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor yesterday gave the public a much needed dose of hope. From new housing commitments to a governance revamp, from a transport subsidy for all to tax cuts for small and medium-sized businesses, from engaging young people to helping the underprivileged, Hong Kong’s new leader appears to be on the right track to lead the city to a new start.

Comprising some 49,000 words and 100-plus headings, Lam’s maiden policy address, “We Connect for Hope and Happiness”, was the longest ever. But it only took 40 minutes to deliver, because she wisely followed the advice of her cabinet members to just present the highlights to the Legislative Council. While individual members chanted a few slogans at the end, many greeted it with a resounding round of applause.

That the full blueprint was loaded with principles and renewed commitments in a wide range of policy areas was to be expected. It shows there is much work for the Lam government to do in the next five years. But there is also no shortage of eye-catching initiatives.

In line with her proactive work style, the veteran public servant has not shied away from tackling some long-standing problems with new thinking, such as working with private developers on the Starter Home housing scheme and building more subsidised flats for sale instead of rent. Bold as they are, the measures also come with concerns. For instance, the partnership housing project has already fuelled worries of business collusion. The administration needs to ensure that it will not become a project seen as only benefiting developers. While the pilot scheme may only provide some 1,000 flats, it is still a good start.

To the credit of Lam, greater emphasis has been put on boosting innovation and capitalising on economic opportunities arising from the “Belt and Road Initiative” – China’s development strategy – and the Greater Bay Area development plan. In addition to various schemes boosting the training of talent in innovation and technology, spending on research and development by private companies will receive a 200 to 300 per cent tax concession. They are timely initiatives to help catch up with the global trend.