Policy Address

7.         As the economy and society continue to progress, Hong Kong people's expectations about their own lives and about the Government also change.  Post-war migrants to Hong Kong looked for food and shelter to improve their living standard.  The generation that followed sought to build a comfortable home and a good career.  The new generation pursues social justice, civil rights and environmental conservation.  This is what a mature economy goes through in the course of social development.  We cannot avoid these changes.  Instead, we should actively promote them to build a better society for future generations.

8.         Since my election as the third-term Chief Executive, I have been committed to promoting change and reform.  I have advocated striking a balance between development and conservation, and invited the business sector to play a bigger role in society.  I believe that Hong Kong enterprises can more actively fulfil their social responsibility.  For example, they can participate in the development of social enterprises, which will not only ease the tense and confrontational atmosphere in society through tripartite co-operation among the community, businesses and the Government, but also provide substantive help to people in need.

9.         Hong Kong took a critical step towards universal suffrage last June, when the 2012 constitutional package was passed by the Legislative Council.  The road to universal suffrage lies ahead.  All sectors of the community should set aside their differences for the common good and move ahead step by step in a pragmatic manner.  Universal suffrage is the ultimate goal of Hong Kong people, but to achieve good governance, democratic reform must be supported by complementary measures, in particular the nurturing of political talent.

10.       The business sector has to participate actively in this process.  In the face of further democratic development, the business sector needs to adopt a new mindset and make greater efforts to prepare for universal suffrage.  I believe that a stable and harmonious society is the foundation for democratic development.  Everyone is duty-bound to contribute to a favourable social environment for universal suffrage in Hong Kong.

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