CE emphasises 'truthful' tenure
October 12, 2011
Chief Executive Donald Tsang says it is up to the public to judge how he and his Government team have performed during his seven years in the post, adding he has always been truthful to himself and the community.
Discussing his 2011-12, and final, Policy Address at a press conference today, Mr Tsang said he is confident Hong Kong will successfully face future challenges thanks to its solid foundation built over the years.
“The public expects the Government to be more than a caretaker. They have high expectations of us. They expect us to tackle various issues. That is why I have focused on three issues of greatest public interest [in the policy address], which are housing, cost of living and the ageing population,” he said.
“I have tried to explain thoroughly the position of the Government and put forward strategies [for the] short, medium and long terms. I have also drawn an outline I consider is the biggest challenge further down the road.
“It is up to the public to judge how we have done, how we have faired. I can say I have always been truthful to myself and to the people of Hong Kong throughout my long years in public service.”
Mr Tsang said he has always put forward short, medium and long-term strategies to give the public a comprehensive picture.
“For any policy, as long as it is good and supported by the people, the Government should continue with it. If a policy fails, it does not matter. The new Chief Executive can make amendments where necessary. I believe what I am doing is to respond to people’s aspiration. I do not believe I am leaving a burden for the next Government.”
At a television panel discussion tonight, Mr Tsang acknowledged public grievances over livelihood issues, saying he has proposed both short- and long-term policies to help deal with them.
He said there is no political reason for reviving the Home Ownership Scheme, saying he proposed it to cater public demand. He said he did not think the move will greatly impact the private market.
On the $2 public transport concession for the elderly, he said Hong Kong can afford it, given its large reserves.
Of the 173 items he promised to fulfill when he took up the post in 2007, Mr Tsang said only four tax matters remain outstanding, reiterating he has been truthful to himself and the community.
