Letters | Keep calm and Carrie on: what would Hong Kong leader do in Theresa May’s shoes?

Theresa May’s pay is about a third of Lam’s, but her job seems much more stressful

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Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor attends the 24th congregation ceremony of Polytechnic University, in Hung Hom on October 28. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Published: 11:01am, 31 Oct 2018Updated: 11:00am, 31 Oct 2018

Our Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor complained about being bullied on the internet (“Carrie Lam: Andy Lau and I are victims of cyberbullying”, October 20). This seems to contradict what she said a month ago, in the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut: that the chief executive can be rebuked by citizens.

Common sense tells us pay is generally commensurate with work performance, as well as the challenges and level of stress facing the job holder.

In the year that Lam has been in office, Hong Kong’s housing problem has been exacerbated: private property prices have risen by about 10 per cent, and the waiting time for public housing has grown longer. “Lantau Tomorrow Vision” may well be a plan to defuse public anger over the basics, a temporary measure to cool things down in a hot kitchen.

From tough Brexit negotiations to leadership challenges, British Prime Minister Theresa May has her plate full. Photo: Reuters

It isn’t my intention to find fault with our chief executive, but her performance so far has been less than satisfactory. Yet, she is being paid one of the highest salaries in the world: more than HK$370,000 a month (“Would more sleep help Carrie Lam make better policies?”, October 22).