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Tung highlights growth, harmony in address
By Tonny Chan (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-01-13 01:19
Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa yesterday showed a resolve to instilla
people-based culture in the government as he pledged to use the remainder of his
term to consolidate the economy, help the underprivileged and promote social
harmony in his eighth Policy Address.
![Hong Kong residents on a downtown street catch a glimpse of HK Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa on a giant TV screen as he made his 2005 policy address to the Legislative Council January 12, 2005. [newsphoto]](xin_40010213093164836773.jpg)
Hong Kong residents
on a downtown street catch a glimpse of HK Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa
on a giant TV screen as he made his 2005 policy address to the Legislative
Council January 12, 2005. [newsphoto] | Themed "Working Together for Economic Development and Social Harmony," the
address highlights initiatives that included, among others:
* Supporting the vision of "people-based" governance with HK$60 million over
three years for public policy research and with a more prominent role for
District Councils in resolving local problems;
* Maintaining social harmony with increased community participation in public
affairs;
* Assigning Financial Secretary Henry Tang to lead the commission to find a
solution to the poverty problems facing families dependent on public assistance;
* Creating a more favourable business environment for construction, real
estate and retail activities;
* Promoting cultural and creative industries and urban renewal as new anchors
for economic growth; and
* Facilitating environmental industry and studying legislation on recycling.
Tung said the principal reason for the special administrative region(SAR) to
emerge from its economic doldrums was its unique advantages in Asia under the
"One Country, Two Systems" arrangement that has enabled it to continue to be a
highly liberal and diverse society under the rule of law.
Tung said the central government had given Hong Kong staunch support during
difficult times and the increasing pace of modernization in the mainland and
increasing market opportunities there provide strong impetus to the SAR's
economic growth.
He admitted that in the past, officials had not been sensitive enough to
people's feelings when making policies.
"Government policies and measures to deal with the bursting of the real
estate bubble and the serious fiscal deficit no doubt caused the public pain and
unease. In retrospect, our mindset was inadequately prepared for the dual
impacts of political change and (the) economic downturn," Tung said.
"This was reflected in our failure to establish the vision of 'people-based'
governance," he said.
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| Hong Kong residents catch a quick glimpse of Hong Kong Chief
Executive Tung Chee-hwa on a giant TV screen downtown as he makes his 2005
policy address to the Legislative Council yesterday.
[newsphoto] | "After much soul searching and a
review of the successes and failures of our governance, my colleagues and I have
taken stock of experience gained and lessons learnt. We have taken heed of
public criticisms of our governance and responded positively to people's
aspirations," he said.
He said the government was committed to the vision of "people-based"
governance.
"I have asked the principal officials to fully support the district officers
to enable them to function more effectively. We will deliver on the
'people-based' service culture, pay constant attention to public aspirations and
respond actively," he pledged.
To keep close to the community, Tung has identified 11 areas of most concern
to the public, ranging from employment, the plights of the poor and needy, to
sales tax, population policy, and the West Kowloon Cultural District.
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 at a post-address news conference.
Looking ahead, Tung said the SAR's economy would reach a stage of
post-recovery consolidation and growth this year.
On constitutional development, Tung said political reform would adhere to the
Basic Law and the interpretation and decision made by the National People's
Congress Standing Committee in April last year.
"We firmly believe as long as we can maintain prosperity, stability and
social harmony, our democratic constitutional system can develop at a faster
pace and the ultimate aim of universal suffrage as set out in the Basic Law can
be achieved at an early date," he said.
The community and business sector generally welcomed the Policy Address
yesterday.
Jenny Lam, an accounting clerk from Pok Fu Lam, told China Daily she agreed
with the need to maintain social harmony. "Let's wait and see. There are so much
to be done," she said as she collected a flier of highlights from a distribution
counter in Wan Chai.
Mr Lee, a 70-year-old from Wan Chai, said it was right for Tung to take heed
of the elderly's needs.
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