Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive
Tung Chee-hwa pledged on Wednesday to use the remainder of his term
to consolidate the economy, help the underprivileged and promote
social harmony.
Tung made the statements to the Legislative Council in his 2005
policy address, his eighth since 1997.
He also outlined major tasks for the coming years. Over the next
three years HK$60 million (US$7.7 million) will be spent for public
policy research. District Councils will play a greater role in
resolving local problems.
Tung also called for the maintenance of social harmony with
increased community participation in public affairs. He has
assigned Financial Secretary Henry Tang to lead a commission
detailed to find a solution to poverty.
On the economic front, Tung said Hong Kong would create a more
favorable business environment for the construction, real estate
and retail sectors while promoting cultural and creative industries
and urban renewal as new pillars of growth. The environmental and
recycling industries will also be given closer attention.
Tung said the central government had given Hong Kong staunch
support during difficult times. The pace of modernization on the
mainland and increasing market opportunities there provide strong
impetus for Hong Kong's economic growth. He expects the HKSAR's
economy will reach a stage of post-recovery consolidation and
growth this year.
The chief executive admitted that in the past, officials had not
been sensitive enough to the people when making policies. "We have
taken heed of public criticisms of our governance and responded
positively to people's aspirations," he said.
He emphasized that the government is committed to the vision of
"pro-people" governance.
On constitutional development, Tung said political reform would
adhere to the Basic Law and the interpretation and decision made by
the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC)?in
April last year.
"We firmly believe as long as we can maintain prosperity,
stability and social harmony, our democratic constitutional system
can develop rapidly and the ultimate aim of universal suffrage as
set out in the Basic Law can be achieved at an early date," he
said.
At a news conference following his speech Tung categorically
rejected criticisms by some political parties that the government
had been colluding with the business community to transfer
benefits. "If there is evidence as such, you must report (it) to
the Independent Commission Against Corruption," he said.
(China Daily January 13, 2005)