Policy Address

E.     Effective Governance and Social Harmony

112.      The fourth challenge lies in effective governance and the public's trust in the Government.  Rising inflation, and the controversies over the expansion of the Political Appointment System and post-retirement employment of civil servants, have changed the public's trust in the Government over the past year.  People have doubts about certain issues: Have the core values of the HKSAR Government changed?  Is the Government trustworthy?  Is the Government fair and impartial?  Is it less capable than before?  Does the Government still adhere to the principle of meritocracy?  Does it take into account public opinion in formulating policies?

113.      We inherited the political system of the pre-1997 executive-led government.  The gradual development of democracy since reunification has brought about significant changes to our political landscape.  Hong Kong people have developed keen political awareness, which has led to higher expectations for effective governance.  We will draw lessons from the controversy and criticisms over the expansion of the Political Appointment System as our political system evolves.

114.      To gain public support, the Government needs to deliver.  Our decision-making process has to be more transparent and built on wider community consensus.  This will help create an inclusive political environment and promote democracy in an orderly and progressive manner, thereby meeting the public's aspirations for democracy.

 

 

Contents | Next