November 24, 2013

Chief Executive CY Leung says Hong Kong people are willing and able to rely on themselves, so the Government should use its funds to help only those people in need.
 
Speaking at a 2014 Policy Address and 2014-15 Budget regional forum in Shatin today, Mr Leung said the number of people applying for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance due to unemployment had decreased. This suggests Hong Kong people are willing and able to support themselves.
 
That is why the Government launched the Old Age Living Allowance to help seniors in need, he said, adding it is also working on expanding the fare concessions for seniors to green minibuses. Other Government initiatives, including the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme and Community Care Fund projects, are also based on the principle of using money where it is most needed.
 
He said the Government’s priorities are poverty alleviation, ageing society, housing, environmental protection, as well as economic development. The Government has made progress with the people’s support, so it has more revenues and the financial ability to improve people’s livelihood.
 
Meanwhile, Mr Leung said it is proper and right to require the Chief Executive and other public officers to love the country and love Hong Kong because the city is part of the country.
 
Speaking to reporters after the forum, he said he had met NPCSC Deputy Secretary-General and Basic Law Committee Chairman Li Fei and NPCSC Legislative Affairs Commission Vice-Chairperson and Basic Law Committee Vice-Chairperson Zhang Rongshun on the day they arrived in Hong Kong, and they had exchanged views on Hong Kong’s constitutional reform and other social issues.
 
He also said the Basic Law requires the reform to be supported by a two-thirds majority of all Legislative Council members, consent of the Chief Executive and endorsement of the National People's Congress Standing Committee. 
 
He said he will endeavour to implement constitutional reform, and the key to success is rational and peaceful internal discussion and coordination in Hong Kong, according to the Basic Law and relevant NPCSC interpretations and decisions.