Full text: Inaugural speech by HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying
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E-mail China.org.cn, July 1, 2012
Shared wealth
As a generally affluent society, Hong Kong has all the necessary prerequisites to satisfy the basic needs of the people. Everyone in our community should be able to share in the fruits of our economic development.
I will set up the Commission on Poverty as early as possible to review, study and systematically address the issues relating to poverty among the elderly, the working poor, cross-generational poverty, poverty affecting new immigrants and ethnic minorities, and regional poverty.
We will also actively promote twin-track provision of medical services by the public and private sectors, so that medical services are accessible to all, regardless of wealth.
The 7 million Hong Kong people are one family. We will work to make Hong Kong a more livable city. We will encourage energy saving and pollution reduction. We will also further promote awareness of greening and conservation and play a role in protecting our natural environment.
The Government remains committed to respecting the freedom of religion. We will also endeavour to enhance our cultural literacy and encourage creativity.
Pledges to be honoured
I will honour the pledges I have made - to uphold justice, protect the rights of the people, safeguard the rule of law, clean government, freedom and democracy which are among the core values of Hong Kong, and take an inclusive approach towards different opinions and views.
I will do my utmost to safeguard human rights and make sure that press freedom and the independence of the media are respected.
I will promote the development of a democratic political system in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law and the relevant decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
I will further develop the political appointment and accountability system to enhance the efficiency of the Government.
I will also build a service-oriented government, establish partnership with the people and encourage public engagement to draw energy from every corner of our community.
‘One country, two systems’ upheld
The new-term Government will continue to uphold the concept of ‘One country, two systems’ and the principle of ‘Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong’ with a high degree of autonomy.
While safeguarding the interests of our country and Hong Kong, we should properly address the relationship between ‘One country’ and ‘two systems’. We will also strengthen unity and cohesion between different sectors of our society.
Effective policy implementation hinges on effective governance. The relationship between the legislature and the executive is an integral part of governance. For bills to be passed and policies endorsed, we need the support of the Legislative Council as well as the community at large.
It is my hope that my Government will strengthen communication and co-operation with the Legislative Council. With one heart and one vision, we will work for the well-being of our people.
Reinforcing solidarity
The 18 districts of Hong Kong each have their own strengths and characteristics. We will actively support the functions of the District Councils through resource allocation and policy formulation. This will enable community issues to be resolved and local opportunities seized at the district level.
In my election platform, I shared with everyone my vision that "Hong Kong is our home". To build this home, we need to reinforce solidarity and amass collective wisdom.
I believe in the power of the people. I believe in the synergy that comes from unifying different sectors of the community and the many different trades and businesses.
Standing for election was a humbling experience. It made me realise my own shortcomings and helped me appreciate the collective wisdom of our society. What's more, it helped me better understand the importance of accepting media and public scrutiny.
Our community faces many challenges. We need to stand united, face difficulties with fortitude and determination, and respond to different views with an inclusive attitude.
Seeking consensus
I believe that we can resolve the conflicts that exist in our society and the clashes that may arise from different values or political ideologies. We need to listen, and be inclusive and patient in seeking a consensus.
Today I am being sworn into office together with principal officials of the fourth-term Government and members of the Executive Council. I trust that my team will work together harmoniously and dedicate themselves to serving the community.
With one heart and one vision, we should be able to build Hong Kong into an ideal home for us all -- a home where children grow up healthy, young people make their dreams come true, those in the prime of life bring out the best in themselves and the elderly enjoy a decent life.
With our concerted efforts, Hong Kong, this Pearl of the Orient, will shine even more brightly.
Thank you.
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