Hong Kong chief executive candidate John Lee vows to restore hope, build vibrant metropolis in ‘new chapter’ for city at final election rally
- Former policeman offers rare glimpse into childhood, sharing story about how his father was able to afford luxury of buying television set
- Carefully staged event attended by nearly 1,500 people, including district representatives, political heavyweights and business leaders
Warning that the city could not afford to waste any more time, the former career policeman turned bureaucrat appealed to everyone to come together and work with him to “start a new chapter” for Hong Kong.
The rally at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai was a carefully staged event before an audience of nearly 1,500 people, including district representatives, political heavyweights and business leaders.
Inclusivity was underscored by the official theme, “We and Us: A New Chapter for Hong Kong”, and the rally featured speakers such as a secondary school student, an ethnic minority representative and an Olympic medallist.
Lee, 64, again set out the key directions of his manifesto – boosting governance capabilities, tackling land and housing shortages, consolidating the city’s competitiveness, and building a caring and inclusive society.
The former security tsar also offered a rare glimpse into his upbringing, harking back to the time when his father was able to afford the luxury of buying a television set, and sharing it with neighbours in their small flat in a public housing estate.
“My family invited some neighbours to come and watch TV together, and they were so happy. I realised that the relationship between neighbours can be so simple, direct and genuine. We can feel the warmth when we do one thing together,” he said.