Explainer | Hong Kong government revamp: what is it and how does it affect incoming leader John Lee’s administration?
- Chief Executive-elect John Lee’s plan follows largely that of outgoing leader Carrie Lam’s earlier proposal, but includes new deputy secretary for justice position
- Deputies will share workload with secretaries, Lee adds, saying those who coordinate special projects under his purview can report to him directly
The plan, which would expand the current 13 bureaus into 15, will cost taxpayers an extra HK$95 million (US$12.1 million) every year.
The Post looks at details of the plan and how it will affect the next government.
Differences between Lam’s earlier proposal and latest plan endorsed by Exco?
Lam, whose five-year term will expire on June 30, revealed her intention to restructure the government in her last policy address in 2021. She eventually announced her plan in January.
The restructuring floated by Lam involves reforming the current 13 bureaus into 15, including adding a policy bureau centred on culture, sports and tourism. The Transport and Housing Bureau will be split to focus on the two respective policy areas, while the Home Affairs Bureau will be renamed the home affairs and youth bureau.
She also recommended that deputy posts be created under the chief and financial secretaries to coordinate large-scale projects such as the Northern Metropolis project.
The latest plan, announced by Lee following Exco approval on Tuesday, is largely the same as Lam’s January proposal, but has included a new deputy secretary for justice position.