'Thorny' cross-border issues resolved, says CY Leung in one-year report card
Chief executive lists achievements of his first year in office, but critics accuse him of taking undue credit while ignoring failings
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying listed his achievements over the past year in a 29-page report card yesterday - an unprecedented move that one observer said was aimed at dampening turnout for the July 1 rally.
Released on Leung's official website, the report emphasised initiatives in economic development, welfare, and housing and land supply.
Only two paragraphs were devoted to the constitutional system - neither mentioned the looming issue of political reform.
The report stressed that "several thorny issues" were addressed by the administration in a short period of time, including four involving mainland visitors: the influx of pregnant women; a shortage of baby milk formula; the fear prompted by a plan to issue multiple-entry permits to non-permanent Shenzhen residents who would be eligible to visit Hong Kong; and the threat of H7N9 bird flu.
In a meeting with the media yesterday, Leung was adamant that he would finish his five-year term and accomplish his policy objectives, amid speculation that he might not be able to hold onto the post with his popularity flagging. "I have absolutely no health problems," he said.
Leung said the government would take reference from different poll results.
"We have no assessment on the turnout [of the July 1 rally] but the public's concerns are largely with livelihood issues," he said.