Hong Kong's
Chief Executive Donald Tsang gave his maiden policy address
yesterday, saying he would translate election promises into
substantial steps to strengthen governance for the people of the
special administrative region.
He said he would reform the administration to draw more
expertise from outside government to make policies closer to the
social pulse, and be more assertive regarding the public's
mainstream opinions.
Tsang said pursuing excellence in governance was the most
pressing public demand. Trusting reforms, together with other
initiatives, would pave the way for cultivating a harmonious
society founded on strong government and economic development.
Appearing at the Legislative Council (LegCo) at 11 AM,
Tsang spent 90 minutes telling lawmakers that while the
administration and the LegCo had their respective roles to play
under the Basic Law, they had a common agenda of bringing about
effective governance to Hong Kong.
"The Basic Law stipulates 10 powers and functions of LegCo ...
and four areas where the government is accountable to the
legislature," Tsang said.
"As long as the executive authorities and LegCo exercise their
powers and perform their functions as laid down explicitly in the
Basic Law, they will complement each other and operate with due
checks and balances," he said.
He said a strong government did not work behind closed doors but
rather hinged on the political skills and the cohesion and
cooperation of the governing team.
To this effect, he said he would authorize the chief secretary
for administration and the financial secretary to take on policy
coordination, so that he could focus on political issues and
institutional and operational efficiency.
Tsang said maintaining a good relationship with the central
government was a cornerstone for implementing the principle of "one
country, two systems" successfully in Hong Kong.
He pledged to "actively" promote contacts and exchanges between
them, and urged legislators, district councilors and the public to
do the same.
(China Daily October 13, 2005)
