HONG KONG - Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Sunday led his team of principal officials in attending a district forum in Tai Po to seek the suggestions of members of the public for his upcoming Policy Address.
About 120 people from different backgrounds attended the forum that lasted for two hours at the Tai Po Government Primary School, according to a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government statement.
“The valuable views of the public have helped me gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing society and local communities as I prepare my Policy Address, enabling us to come up with policies that better address the needs of the public,” Lee was quoted as saying in the statement.
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"My team and I will take the views of the public seriously, continue to be innovative and proactive in addressing the concerns of our people, and unite all sectors in society to build a vibrant economy and strive for development. We serve the public with dedication to improve their livelihood," he added.
In the forum’s first session, Lee and the principal officials listened to the views of members of the public, including on land and housing, transport, innovation and technology, financial services development, cultural and creative industries, education, youth issues, poverty alleviation and support for the disadvantaged, and healthcare.
In the second session, participants were divided into four groups that centered on the themes of "pursuing development and economic growth" and "improving people's livelihood in pursuit of happiness" and engaged in more extensive discussions with the chief executive and principal officials.
Lee also interacted with members of each group in turn and listened to their views.
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"I am grateful to everyone present today for taking the time on Sunday to participate in the Policy Address District Forum and for having fruitful interactions with my team and me,” Lee said.
“In the Policy Addresses over the last two years, many initiatives were developed based on the views received during the district forum.”
The principal officials who participated in the forum included Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki; Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po; Acting Secretary for Justice Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan; Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing; Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun; Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung; Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu; Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung; Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah; and Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau.
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Also present were Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung; Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho; Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin; Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan; Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin; Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong; Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen; Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han; and Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology Diane Wong Shuk-han.
The HKSAR government launched the public consultation for the Policy Address on July 16 and will continue to gather input from organizations and individuals from different sectors over the coming month through consultations, district visits, and other activities.
