Minimum wage and poverty line not linked: CS

September 20, 2013

Chief Secretary Carrie Lam says the statutory minimum wage and the poverty line have different policy goals, and do not hinge on each other.
 
Speaking to the media today, Mrs Lam said the poverty line will be announced at the Poverty Summit on September 28. She said it is good that society is discussing the issue more.
 
Mrs Lam said she agreed with the opinion of Minimum Wage Commission chairman Jat Sew-tong, that the rate does not need to hinge on the poverty line.
 
On the goal of universal suffrage for electing the Chief Executive in 2017, Mrs Lam said she shared the same wishes as the public, adding discussion on the issue should be rational.
 
As the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Lam said she will play an active role in constitutional development discussion and consultation work.
 
Mrs Lam also said she hoped the public can care more about new arrivals, to facilitate their adaptation to a new environment. 
 
She also said the opinion that the number of new arrivals on one-way permits should be restricted, because of the city's limited resources, is not substantial.