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)
