Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu has presented a comprehensive road map for the city as its battles an economy in the throes of transition, and with time ticking to the end of his term in 2027, leaving him with just two years to deliver on his agenda.
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Lee spoke for nearly three hours in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, beating last year’s 2½ hours, leaving almost no policy uncommented on. But it did not beat his record in 2023 when he spoke for 202 minutes, or three hours and 22 minutes, setting a precedent among all chief executives.
The Post looks at some takeaways from the policy blueprint that are likely to affect Hong Kong’s economy and people’s livelihoods, from speeding up work on the Northern Metropolis megaproject to even building a pet economy.
1. Tougher scrutiny of senior civil servants
After a procurement scandal in which a company was suspected of having used fraudulent documents to win a government contract for bottled water, Lee has rolled out an accountability system for department heads.
Under a proposed two-tier investigation system, the department head will be responsible for general incidents and a panel will be set up for widespread or repetitive problems.
Possible administrative or disciplinary actions include warnings, reprimands, salary reduction, demotion, compulsory retirement and dismissal.
2. Go north! Full steam ahead for Northern Metropolis
Lee has vowed to take personal charge of the Northern Metropolis and expedite the 30,000 hectare megaproject by setting up a new committee that he will chair.
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