In the last three weeks of his tenure, Chief Executive Carrie Lam attended the last question-and-answer session of the Legislative Council this morning (9th).
Lam Cheng, who once said that she likes to attend Legislative Council meetings, said, "I'm not a coward, I really like it." She recalled that when she took office in 2017, the political situation was tense, and it was the result of the Legislative Council election the previous year. "I worked hard in the next one or two years." Despite the politicization of the parliament, the two-year policy address thank-you motions were all passed in the group counts.
However, the revision of the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance in 2019 triggered a turmoil in the government, which made Lam deeply understand.
She pointed out that it was the most severe situation after the handover, and what motivated her to move forward bravely and fearlessly was a strong sense of historical mission and sense of responsibility of the times. Although there were different social evaluations, she felt that she had handed over a score sheet worthy of her own. .
Carrie Lam also said that he never regretted being the chief executive, and he never thought about resigning for a moment. It was his character to make him survive those days. "Some people have described me, the more difficult things are, the more excited I am." , at that time, the central government instructed her to "do not wash away the shock".
[12:06] After the Pakatan Harapan Lu Weiguo paid attention to the population and talent policy, the engineering community was worried about not being able to hire talent.
Lam said the government's proposed reorganization included assigning human resources issues to the Labour and Welfare Bureau.
She emphasized that Hong Kong is still attractive, but due to the temporary restrictions on personnel exchanges, people cannot see the attractiveness of Hong Kong.
[12:05] The leader of the Liberal Party, Zhang Yuren, said that he was willing to share his experience with civil servants, but he was concerned about Fudan University, which was included in the list of 23 accredited universities for overseas doctors announced yesterday. The university has several medical courses, and the only courses accepted are only Foreigners take it, but no Chinese take it. If Hong Kongers don’t have foreign passports, they won’t have the opportunity to take the course. They even mocked: “Medical Committee, trusting Qu is really scheming with tigers.” Carrie Lam pointed out that this policy was implemented overnight, and the special committees were batch by batch. to update the list.
She pointed out that "speaking with civil servants" is always welcome, and it would be beneficial for lawmakers and officials to interact more.
[12:00] Liberal Party Yi Zhiming mentioned that there are many industries involved in the shipping and transportation industry. During the epidemic, they were dissatisfied with the government's failure to take care of their rights and interests. It is hoped that the next government will establish a powerful policy bureau to consolidate shipping and transportation. development of the world.
Carrie Lam reiterated that he would not provide policy advice for the next government, believing that maximum space should be given. He also pointed out that the Transport and Logistics Bureau, which will be newly established by the next government, should have more space to deal with related issues. .
Carrie Lam quoted experts: Natural infection and vaccines have built protective barriers
[11:59] Ye Liu Shuyi of the New People's Party said that Carrie Lam is the hardest Chief Executive. After one year of "black violence" and three years of epidemic, she was undoubtedly under great pressure, and she respected her efforts.
She asked if there is a sixth wave of the epidemic, what advice she has for the next Chief Executive to try to clear customs.
Lam Cheng said that at present, most government experts are not worried about the epidemic. Through natural infection and vaccination, Hong Kong has a protective barrier to reduce severe illness. As of last night, only 370 people were admitted to hospital due to new coronary pneumonia, of which 17 were serious and In critical condition, only 4 people will be admitted to the intensive care unit.
However, she said that customs clearance with the mainland is a big challenge. Experts from the two places have two sets of theories. It is necessary to carefully evaluate when and what measures to take in order to achieve the best of both worlds. to the possibility of customs clearance.
[11:53] The election committee Jie Hongwen asked what strategic positioning Hong Kong should have today to lead the future development.
Carrie Lam pointed out that Hong Kong has a geographical advantage and is a springboard for international connections, but it should not stop there. It must also add value to its own city and its citizens, and make greater contributions to the country. marketization.
Encourage Chinese capital to participate more in social affairs: new parliament adds representatives
[11:50] Mr. Yan Gang, a member of the business sector (third), asked Carrie Lam's expectations for the role of Chinese-funded enterprises in the future development of Hong Kong.
Carrie Lam encourages Chinese-funded enterprises to participate more in social affairs. She mentioned that under the improvement of the electoral system, the Legislative Council will add a business sector (third), which is to allow Chinese-funded enterprises to play a role in the system. She also praised the number of Chinese-funded enterprises in recent years Sponsor the development of the cultural, sports and art sectors, and mobilize volunteers to visit during the epidemic to assist in the fight against the epidemic.
Attracting talents is urgent and customs clearance is the only limitation
[11:47] When asked by Electoral Commissioner Leung Yu-wai, how to retain talents in Hong Kong, Lam responded that attracting talents is an urgent issue. At present, the government has different plans to attract talents at home and abroad. I believe that when the epidemic subsides, quarantine-free exchanges will resume. Hong Kong remains an attractive place.
She said that some people are worried that the mainland will have a negative view of Hong Kong after 2019, but the number of mainland students admitted to the latest 8 colleges is the same as before, and the quality is high. She believes that customs clearance is the only limitation for Hong Kong to attract talents.
[11:45] Li Zhenqiang of the Liberal Party pointed out that the waiting time for specialists in the Hospital Authority is very long, and it takes one or two years. Recently, the second batch of overseas doctor-accredited colleges and universities has been released, but the Medical Council has repeatedly cancelled the overseas doctor's practice examination. , how to urge the next government to prevent this phenomenon.
Carrie Lam pointed out that amending the law to recognize individual overseas institutions is the first step. There is still a lot of work to be done in the future. At present, the medical committee is still the legal gatekeeper in Hong Kong.
However, she has personally learned that some of the problems are really restricted in procedures, not deliberately canceled. For example, the epidemic has made some procedures unable to take the test.
She hopes that in the future, the director will continue to urge the medical committee to speed up related work.
[11:41] Chen Yong of the DAB asked about any livelihood policies that can be rolled out in the future, so that the citizens have more expectations for the future.
Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor responded that the coverage of every area of people's livelihood cannot be solved by a single government. Successive governments have laid the foundation and continued to build on it like building a house.
Carrie Lam agreed that there is a lot of work to be deepened, especially in education. She believes that in the current direction of setting things right, there are still many challenges in providing quality education. There is still a lot of room for improvement in Hong Kong's education, such as encouraging interest in learning technology. The quality of education should be further enhanced to nurture local talents.
Carrie Lam attended the last question-and-answer session in office.
(Photo by Liao Yanxiong)
Li Dongguo asked about the loopholes in epidemic prevention and Lam Cheng: No system and zero loopholes
[11:35] Li Dongguo of the New People's Party believes that to curb the epidemic, it is necessary to upgrade the safe travel program, such as turning the safe travel program for those who need forced inspection to red, and then to blue after the inspection is completed.
Lam said that Lai Tung-kwok was also a civil servant. He understood that without a system, the government alone would have no loopholes. It requires the cooperation of the whole society. The government can enforce the law, but it cannot prevent violations 100%.
[11:34] Zhou Haoding of the DAB asked about the anti-epidemic allowance. Some organizations are reluctant to apply for personal allowances for frontline cleaning and security guards.
Carrie Lam pointed out that the goal of the subsidy is to cover the whole range, regardless of who is hired. The government is quite sure of the contribution of frontline staff, but the current problem does not seem to be a loophole in design, but an implementation problem. The Acting Secretary for Home Affairs will study this. , emphasizing that the government will not be stingy and will put these allowances in the hands of workers as soon as possible.
Simplify the development process?
Carrie Lam: It seems that rigidity is a protection system
[11:30] Chen Jianbo from the insurance industry said that Members and the public did not understand that the preliminary engineering study on Kau Yi Chau would take more than two years, and asked Lam Cheng's views on land and housing.
Carrie Lam said, I would like to thank Chen Jianbo for serving as the chairman of the Finance Committee for many years and for obtaining a large amount of funding for the SAR government. It has taken more than ten months to apply for a grant of 500 million yuan for the pre-engineering research on Jiaoyizhou, and the research took more than 30 months. Conduct a general feasibility study, but a study with a planning and engineering component.
She said that sometimes procedures look rigid, but they are actually measures to protect others, so there needs to be a middle ground.
No objection to reforming the civil service: the vast majority of public servants "did their homework"
[11:28] The DAB Zhang Guojun pointed out that the current-term government has encountered man-made disasters and epidemics that have caused major damage, and the challenges to governance are unprecedented. , but would like to ask Carrie Lam's views on the reform of the civil service system.
Carrie Lam pointed out that he would not resist the suggestion by some members of the community that this system, which has been in place for decades, has room for improvement. In fact, the government conducted a large-scale inspection in the early days of the return, but it was strongly opposed at that time, such as the revolving door system.
She pointed out that the issue of civil servants today, as pointed out by the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, is to "want to do things, be able to do things, be able to do things, and do things well." In terms of “officials”, how to break through restrictions and solve new problems for society requires attention.
Some people think it's a political environment issue, while others think it's a reward and punishment system. She pointed out that these issues are worthy of future government discussions.
The threshold for strong auctions has dropped to 80%, which is still very high
[11:26] Wu Yongjia pointed out that during Lam Cheng’s tenure, revitalizing industrial buildings was a popular policy for the industry, attracting many industrial building owners to participate in the plan, releasing precious land resources and creating a win-win situation for all parties.
Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said that the revitalization of industrial buildings was facilitated by Liang Junyan and Lin Jianfeng. The government is committed to providing more incentives for owners to apply for the plan. However, in the later redevelopment of industrial buildings, there will be many difficulties in unifying the ownership. She believes that a strong auction Even if the threshold is lowered to 80%, it is still a very high threshold. I hope that those who have relevant studies can provide opinions to the government, because "the government has no experience and does not own industrial buildings", and the policies for revitalization and reconstruction of industrial buildings are based on listening to opinions. .
Carrie Lam: We must clear customs in the short term to enhance international competitiveness
[11:18] Li Weihong from the financial services industry is concerned about the living space of small and medium-sized enterprises in the case of complicated geopolitics and failure to clear customs.
Carrie Lam said that the SAR government has always been concerned about small and medium-sized enterprises, and the external political factors are complicated. It must clear customs in the short term, and also enhance the international status and competitiveness of Hong Kong. The Director of the Bureau, Edward Yau, has done a lot of work on international connections.
Lu Songxiong: Deng Jiabiao described Carrie Lam as "beautiful and kind-hearted"
[11:17] Lu Chung-hsiung, a trade union, pointed out that the current government has done a lot of good things for the labor sector, describing it as "fruitful results", such as increasing statutory maternity leave, paternity leave, unifying statutory holidays, and improving occupational safety and punishment regulations.
He laughed and pointed out that Deng Jiabiao, a party member, once described each other as "beautiful and kind-hearted", so in the past five years, did he ever think for a moment that "I knew I would not take this responsibility" and what made her tide over the difficulties.
I want to resign at all times: the more difficult it is, the more excited I get
Carrie Lam said with a smile, "In the past five years, I have never regretted accepting the appointment, never thought of resigning, and I have to be a person with a beginning and an end."
She reiterated last year's policy address and pointed out that there are three elements to support her, namely central support, personal commitment and family support.
She also pointed out that the fourth item is due to her personality. "Some people have described me that the more difficult things are, the more excited I am", and I have the drive to overcome difficulties.
"I don't want to be in my position, I don't want to be in government", I am willing to continue to tell the story of the country
[11:08] Election Committee member Su Changrong said that Hong Kong would be grateful for Carrie Lam's resolution of an unprecedented crisis, and asked her what advice she had given to the new government's administration, and whether she would continue the country and Hong Kong in the future. Business shines.
Carrie Lam said that she is a person who believes in "do not seek political affairs if she is not in office", and will not comment on the work of the next government.
She mentioned that she has served as a civil servant for more than 40 years and has held almost all positions. She is willing to share her experience in civil servant training. In addition, in 2016, when she sought the establishment of the Palace Museum, she promised to tell the story of the country well. affairs she is happy to participate in.
The seafood boat can't be reluctant to dance Hong Kong Island South is progressing very well
[11:07] Chen Jiapei agrees with Carrie Lam's contribution to cultural conservation during her tenure, and hopes that the current government will actively consider the conservation of the precious seafood boat.
Lam Cheng responded that Jumbo Seafood is a joint discussion project between Ocean Park and the operating group, but the discussion has not been able to find a suitable conservation method, nor can it be forced.
She added that she would not object if the new government had other views.
Lam Cheng said that Jumbo Seafood is a small project in Yuedong Hong Kong Island South, but Yuedong Hong Kong Island South is progressing very well, creating and doing a good job in connecting the entire southern area, including Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau, and Wong Chuk Hang, and transforming the old-fashioned Recreation and cultural facilities are rebuilt into a multi-purpose concept to create a better environment.
Decided not to be re-elected early on
[11:06] Xie Weijun, the electoral committee, said, "Thank you for your dedication. I will not talk about the next sentence." She suggested that the other party review the merits and historical experience of the 5th SAR government, especially when she said that "the officials are too arrogant." .
Carrie Lam pointed out that it is meaningless to evaluate his own achievements, so he does not intend to respond in detail, but of course he believes that there is room for improvement, such as restructuring the structure, and hopes that more aspiring people will enter the governance structure, especially now that the hot kitchen has been greatly cooled.
In addition, people often criticize that there are multiple departments in politics and there is no co-ordination. In her policy address last year, she proposed to design more full-time and dedicated units. The last part is also the weakest link, that is, there is no good explanation, publicity, and public relations.
She also pointed out that after reading last year's policy address, she didn't understand why "there are people who suspect that I didn't decide not to run for election early in the morning, and that person has already thought about it."
Message to the business community: To make a big cake, it is necessary to maintain good labor relations
[11:00] Shaw Ka Fai said that the voice of the labor sector is shining brightly, but the voice of the business sector seems to be bleak. He asked Lam Cheng how to give advice to the business sector.
Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor pointed out that the current government has implemented many measures on labor rights and interests, and hopes that the labor sector members will agree with the work of the Secretary for Labor and Welfare. For the business sector, the most important thing is to make a big pie, and at the same time, it needs to have a good labor-management relationship. She noted that there are small and medium-sized employers During the interview, employees will be fired after the cancellation of MPF hedging. They believe that such labor-management relations are difficult to develop in the long run, and hope that the business community will cooperate with the government's measures.
Housing supply should not be affected by property prices, otherwise demand will not be recovered
[10:50] Zheng Yongshun of the DAB asked about the issue of transitional housing. Carrie Lam pointed out that the housing supply is "as fast as a month," but in fact, this is not just a matter of bureaucratic procedures. In fact, there is a lot of work to be done. The current government has made some bold moves, such as transitional housing, which is now an important part of the housing ladder. She hopes that the next government will make more efforts and land developers will also support this work.
She believes that the method of housing and land will not see immediate results, and it is often that the predecessors plant the trees and the latter enjoy the shade.
In addition, she believes that housing supply should not be affected by fluctuations in property prices, and must be persistent, otherwise demand will not be recovered.
She pointed out that the public housing supply of the current government has increased by 40% compared with the previous term, and it is believed that the supply of public housing will continue to rise sharply in the next 10 years.
Message to Members: Key Communication, Mutual Understanding and Compassion in Solving Social Issues
[10:45] Heung Yee Kuk Lau Yip-keung was the first member to speak. He thanked Carrie Lam for his contributions in the past five years, showing the world the results of the practice of one country, two systems in Hong Kong, dismantling the wall for the development of the New Territories, and liberating the development potential of the land in the New Territories. When asked about the biggest difficulties and obstacles to the development of the New Territories, Lam's message to the next government.
Lin Zheng responded that Liu Yeqiang's problem reminded her of Liu Yeqiang's late father, Liu Huangfa. She said that Uncle Fa was a politician she respected and a role model worthy of learning. When encountering difficulties, he was willing to solve it together and listen patiently.
Carrie Lam recalled how she and Liu Huangfa went to the Xiangyuanwei port to contact the indigenous residents, and was willing to spend time mediating and use her own strength to solve the problem.
Carrie Lam believes that the key to solving all social problems is communication, mutual understanding and accommodation, and he wishes that every member present here can play this role in the future.
"I have handed in a score sheet that is worthy of my own"
[10:35] Lam Cheng said that this year's Legislative Council passed a number of significant bills, including the introduction of non-locally trained doctors, the ban on e-cigarettes and the cancellation of MPF hedging voted today.
She said that if it was not for patriots to rule Hong Kong, it would be impossible to implement the reorganization of the government structure, there is no basis for all-round cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and there is no confidence to propose a new draft amendment to the copyright bill, and there is no proposal for the development of the northern metropolitan area. The SAR government has more ambition and confidence to think innovatively.
She announced that the SAR government and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will hold the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Palace Museum on June 22.
She said that the past five years have undeniably been the most severe situation since the handover, with unprecedented challenges and turbulent winds. What drives her to move forward bravely and fearlessly is a strong sense of historical mission and sense of responsibility for the times, despite the society's evaluation of her work Differently, the members believe that the SAR government led by her has room for improvement, but she is worthy of her own achievements, which marks a complete end to her 42-year public service career. I wish the members a smooth work and a harmonious government.
During my tenure, the stormy waves were distressed by the internal friction of the old parliament: I worked hard
[10:33] Carrie Lam pointed out that her term will be completed in three weeks, and she is very happy to be arranged by the President of the Legislative Council to speak for the last time today to answer members' questions.
She pointed out that during these important times in the past, most people like to look back and look forward, but in fact, after five years of turbulent waves and severe challenges, Hong Kong is standing at a new starting point of returning to the original intention of "One Country, Two Systems" and on the right track. Everyone is full of Hong Kong's future. expect.
She said that she wanted to share three things, including the relationship between the executive and the legislature, the relationship between patriots governing Hong Kong and good governance, and the future of Hong Kong.
First, the chief executive must be accountable to both the central government and the SAR. In addition to ensuring that the executive organs perform their duties and responsibilities well and manage the affairs of the SAR, they must also maintain the legislature to check and balance the functions of the executive and the judiciary to exercise independent judicial power.
Lam Cheng recalled that when he first attended the question-and-answer session at the Legislative Council in July 2017, he first looked back over the past 30 years and how he had maintained a good relationship between the executive and the legislature. "I hope that the Legislative Council will be a place to discuss matters and do practical things.
However, there was still internal friction at that time. The background of 2017 was the political situation after the election of the previous year. Hong Kong was full of internal friction, struggle and strife. She felt very sad about this.
At that time, a civil servant pointed out to her with a wry smile that she could only enter the meeting room to start her own agenda after an unknown number of meetings, and she herself felt very distressed.
Lam pointed out that the lack of mutual trust between officials and lawmakers at that time slowed down the implementation of the policy, but he was not discouraged at the time, and he still believed that most lawmakers and officials loved Hong Kong deeply and found a way out of the predicament. I tried," communicating with different parties.
Therefore, in the 2017 and 2018 policy addresses, despite the politicization of the parliament, the motions of thanks for the group counting of votes were passed.
However, the turmoil of the amendments later proved that a good relationship between the executive and the legislature must be based on the principle of one country, two systems.
Later, everyone knew that those who opposed China and disrupted Hong Kong used elections to enter the governance system, undermining the relationship between the central government and the SAR.
Rumors in the political circles︱Lam Cheng-ming goes to the Legislative Council's final question-and-answer session. The parting assemblyman is expected to be "harmonious."
Carrie Lam said that she tried her best to create conditions but did not clarify rumors that senior officials must be quarantined first