Policy Address
Core Values
130. Political leadership requires sound values and clear vision. In recent years, there has been a lively discussion on the core values of society. The Government and the community must open a dialogue on this issue. In my manifesto for the 2007 Chief Executive Election, I stated my view on Hong Kong's core values. I said, “With globalisation, Hong Kong is facing an economic transformation, and conflicting opinions and interests have emerged in the community. I believe that Hong Kong needs to handle these conflicts appropriately to rise to a new height and enter a new era”.
131. Simply put, these conflicts manifest themselves in the economic, political and social arenas. On the economic front, we need to strike a balance between development and environmental conservation. In fact, they are not opposing forces. On the political front, while developing democracy, we should put in place a supporting system and maintain high efficiency in governance. The Executive Authorities and the Legislature should complement each other and take into account public opinion in performing their respective functions and in decision-making. The ultimate aim is to work for Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and the benefit of the people. We should maintain a proper balance between our rights and duties. Hong Kong people cherish freedom and the rule of law. They should also recognise that they have a duty to our community and our country. While the Government accepts the responsibility to take care of the disadvantaged, our citizens have to shoulder their own responsibilities, care for their families and contribute to society. As our society advances, citizens have higher expectations on enterprises. Enterprises should no longer just perform a purely economic role — they should shoulder greater social responsibility. They should also gear up for a more open and democratic political system.
132. As for social conflicts arising from, for example, the wealth gap and balancing interests between big business and ordinary citizens, I believe the key to tackling the problem lies in boosting our economic development to bring about prosperity, and investing in education to promote social mobility. Helping people to help themselves is essential to poverty alleviation. To resolve conflicts between big business and ordinary citizens, the Government is duty bound to monitor the situation and take remedial measures when the market becomes ineffective.
133. We have to re-examine some of the ideas about the development of Hong Kong that gained prominence in the 1980s and abandon dichotomy as an analysis tool. For instance, not only can patriotism and democracy co-exist, they can also complement each other in politics. Building a democratic system on a shared sense of national identity is where our future lies. In regard to the economy, we should not see a free market and government intervention as two exact opposites. The market is not omnipotent. Intervention is not necessarily an evil. If the market fails, the Government should intervene. We also need government supervision when public interests are compromised. As to social development, a diversified cultural life and a green environment can help improve our competitive edge.
134. International politics have evolved considerably since the ideological confrontations in the 1960s and 1970s. Both left-wing and right-wing political parties are searching for a middle ground, the so-called Third Way. People have turned their back on political, economic and social extremes. I firmly believe in justice, equality and liberty. We should steer the middle course in the best interests of the community. We should adopt a moderate approach to balance the various interests of society, and seek collaboration and consensus in the political, economic and social arenas rather than resort to confrontation, struggle and conflict.
135. The external economic environment is deteriorating. The financial tsunami has sent huge shockwaves across the globe and caused anxieties about our economic prospects. In times of uncertainties, there is a greater need to keep calm and to accomplish our tasks pragmatically. Hong Kong is on the right track with its development. The implementation of the ten major infrastructure projects announced in the last Policy Address will increase employment opportunities and economic benefits, which will give fresh impetus to our economic growth.
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