Of the recent spate of consultation papers published by the government, I think “Consultation on 2016-17 Budget” is the best. Written in plain language, supported by graphs and economic indicators, the paper doesn’t carry preconceived ideas or treat people, being consulted, like laboratory mice. Still, fiscal cracks of sluggish exports, market gyrations and other challenges lie ahead. Elsewhere, too, cracks and sorry sagas abound. The story of the “missing five” from the Causeway Bay bookshop – which has the makings of a Rashomon mystery – is suspected to be dangerously close to undermining “one country, two systems”. Failure to connect between the executive and the legislative is evident from marathon filibustering and arguments over cost overruns on projects seen by some as expensive white elephants or legal black holes. Bell-ringing in the Legislative Council, to remind councillors to return to their seats, and adjournment of meetings due to insufficient quorums are both telling signs of polarisation. With all the cracks around us, are we crackpots to be here? Not so, we merely love this place where we belong, All this reminds me of For whom the bell tolls, a 17th century poem by English satirist John Donne, on the theme of humanity’s interconnectedness. In his forthcoming budget, the financial secretary could do something to connect with the people. He could dish out tax incentives, or the like, to make the city’s long-suffering, tax-paying and law-abiding citizens feel better than they do now. Let’s ‘think different’, Steve Jobs style. Let’s think ‘big and beautiful’ He could also lay the foundation for payment of a universal and uniform non-means-tested pension scheme. This will be welcome news to many: for senior citizens, it will give them a sense of security and recognition. For young people, it will give them a sense of belonging and something to hope for in their old age. Yet, to venture into areas “where angels fear to tread” requires vision and courage. To think “poor” is “to be poor”, under the natural law of self-fulfilling prophecy. Let’s “think different”, Steve Jobs style. Let’s think “big and beautiful”. The corollary of all this necessitates a review of our current tax system which is narrowly based and way out of date. We need to make it more productive of revenue and we need also to anticipate new situations arising, such as those from China’s much vaunted “One Belt, One Road” economic initiative. Policies which connect with the people act like social glues that mend cracks and repair relationships, despite differences. If this is dream talk, dreams can come true. Elizabeth Wong Chi-lien was secretary for health and welfare from 1990 to 1994 and a lawmaker from 1995 to 1997
