Hong Kong leadership race underdogs pan CY Leung’s proposed policies
Regina Ip and Woo Kwok-hing sceptical of plans to abolish MPF offsetting mechanism; say chief executive did not deliver on manifesto
“Leung’s government is now actually a caretaker one. It only has some five months left. He should not try to write down so many policies. He should leave them for the next government to decide,” Woo said.
He called Leung’s idea of using land on the periphery of country parks to build public flats “controversial” and troublesome for the next administration.
On the offsetting mechanism, Ip said: “I have reservations about the idea. I don’t think the business sector will support it. And employees will see their benefits cut.”
Her views were shared by Woo.
Under Leung’s plan, the government will “progressively” abolish the controversial practice, which allows employers to use the money they put into workers’ retirement funds to offset severance or long-service payments.
Leung said there would be measures to lessen the burden on employers with the abolishment of the mechanism, such as lowering the amount they have to pay outgoing workers.
Employers will also be given subsidies, amounting to HK$6 billion, in the first 10 years after the offsetting mechanism is scrapped. Leung said he hoped his government could come up with a final proposal by the end of June.
Both Woo and Ip also panned Leung’s declaration that his election manifesto had “basically been implemented”.
“I don’t think he has been able to honour what he has stated in his election manifesto,” Woo said, referring to Leung’s pledges that he would enhance the standard of governance, promote democracy, and hold an inclusive attitude.
