Paul Chan’s cash handout plan praised for ‘bravery’ but he still fails to win some hearts
The finance chief’s move to give up to HK$4,000 to 2.8 million Hongkongers is cheered by the pro-establishment camp, but others say it’s not enough for the needy
Pro-establishment lawmakers, who are in the majority at Legco, praised Chan’s announcement that he would share the city’s HK$138 billion surplus with 2.8 million more people, with most political parties pledging to support the bill.
2.8 million Hongkongers to get cash handout of up to HK$4,000 each, in ‘targeted’ scheme to share massive budget surplus
New People’s Party chairwoman, Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, who had called for cash handouts of HK$3,000, said: “Chan came up short in sharing the benefits of economic growth, and we are very glad that he has redressed the problem.
Starry Lee Wai-king, who chairs the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said Chan showed “bravery” and that her party – the largest pro-establishment one in Legco with 13 seats – would also approve the budget.
