September 15, 2013

Chief Executive CY Leung says the Government is determined to solve Hong Kong’s housing and poverty problems.
 
Speaking at a district forum in Wan Chai today, Mr Leung said the Commission on Poverty has unprecedentedly set a poverty line, which will be announced by him in later this month at a Poverty Summit. He said it shows the Government is committed to solving the poverty problem.
 
He said property prices and rents are high, and it affects many people. The Government has launched a long-term housing strategy consultation, and the consultation document states that supply is the key to solving the housing problem.
 
He rejected claims there are too many people in Hong Kong and the housing problem can be solved by not allowing people from other places to live here, saying the rate of population increase is low. According to the United Nations, Hong Kong’s rate of population increase is ranked 130 out of 230 countries and regions. He reiterated that the key to solving the housing problem is increasing supply.
 
There is not enough land to build flats because there was no long-term planning in the past, so the Government should make plans so that children know where they can live 30 years later, he said.
 
Having a democratic way of life is as important as having a democratic election system, he said, adding this is why principal officials visit districts and listen to people’s views.
 
He hopes there will be more opportunities for people to participate in Hong Kong’s development and the forums can be organised more regularly, adding people should not express their views in an uncivilised way no matter if they support the Government or not.