Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam can avoid policy U-turns by welcoming views outside tight circle of experts, observers say
- Indecision over Lunar New Year flower markets the latest in string of confusing policy reversals
- Lawmaker says Lam relies on only a few experts when making decisions concerning pandemic
The turnaround upset some florists who had already made alternative plans, forking out hundreds of thousands of dollars on separate venues to sell their peach blossoms and orchids.
That was only the latest in a string of policy U-turns in the government’s battle against Covid-19 over the past year, which have left Hongkongers feeling confused or even disgruntled.
“It does raise a question about the extent to which the government understands the expectations of the people of Hong Kong,” said University of Hong Kong emeritus professor John Burns, who specialises in public administration.
Politicians from across the spectrum blamed the government’s apparent disregard for consultation adding that, even when that happened, it failed to collect a broad enough range of views.
Baffling on-again, off-again moves