Editorial | Latest handouts only go so far in city that craves true leadership

Amid mounting criticism of her slow response to the coronavirus outbreak, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor cannot expect much praise for her HK$28 billion funding package, the latest bid by the beleaguered Hong Kong leader to get the city through the crisis. The handouts are the least the cash-rich government can do for its people during days of adversity. But unless there are further decisive and timely measures to curb the deadly disease and its widening impact on society, even the city’s HK$1 trillion fiscal reserves – and a great deal more – would not make up for the fallout.

It does not take additional evidence to confirm the city has been badly hit. Coming after the provision of similar relief in Macau, Lam’s efforts look woefully belated as more shops and restaurants go down while discontent with her administration simmers.

The economic support could have earned her some applause had the government been more proactive. The handouts, still subject to lawmakers’ approval, include a one-off HK$5,000 for licensed hawkers, HK$80,000 for individual travel agencies and up to HK$200,000 for restaurants. Students, low-income families, kindergartens, security guards and cleaners will also get subsidies. The amounts may not be much, but are still better than nothing.

With just HK$4.7 billion earmarked for medical use, doctors and nurses are understandably even more frustrated. Officials say the funding will be spent on the front line, such as providing temporary housing and subsidies for staff, buying personal protective gear, enhancing support for laboratories, as well as strengthening hygiene and logistics. Whether the individuals concerned will feel the benefit depends on the authority’s responsiveness and management.

This is not the first time the government has dipped into the city’s fiscal reserves. At least four rounds of relief measures worth tens of billions of dollars in public funds were provided last year in the wake of the downturn caused by the political unrest and US-China trade war. This would not have been possible without the hard-earned money of taxpayers, and the government has to think twice when it comes to spending. With public confidence and Lam’s popularity still at a low, those who do not benefit from such measures may feel they are just an attempt to lift the embattled leader’s ratings rather than help those who deserve it.

During a deepening public health crisis, there is need to see that every dollar is spent wisely. The latest relief measures still have to be approved and benefits delivered as soon as possible. More importantly, resolute and timely action is essential from the authorities at such a time of crisis. To react is easy. To lead is not.