United stand: Chief Executive Donald Tsang pledges stronger ties between the Government and LegCo to ensure better governance and public trust.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the good relationship between the Administration and Legislative Council is the base for Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, adding lawmakers should bear the public's well-being in mind, and win their trust and confidence.

Taking lawmakers' questions at LegCo for the first time in his new post today, Mr Tsang said he wanted to thank members for their support, show his determination in boosting ties between the Administration and the Legislature, and show his sincerity in exchanging views with lawmakers.

Mr Tsang said both the Administration and lawmakers should have the general public's well-being in mind, be accommodative, co-operative and have mutual respect to win the public's trust and confidence. This is also the base for Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, he added.

He admitted there was a lack of mutual trust between the Administration and lawmakers, and it is time for both to be united to ensure effective governance.

Quoting results of a Central Policy Unit survey conducted in April, Mr Tsang said over 60% of people considered stability and prosperity to be uppermost issues, followed by freedom and democracy. Among all policy objectives, people are most concerned with livelihood and the economy - with employment, improving governance and air quality topping the list. Meanwhile, legislative proposals for Basic Law Article 23 and universal suffrage are the most controversial issues.

Building a harmonious society

Mr Tsang pledged he will strive to build a harmonious society and concentrate his energy on economic revival. He urged lawmakers to adopt a pragmatic attitude and take into account people's feelings and their aspirations for the future.

Mr Tsang said with 'one country, two systems' as the basis, the Administration and lawmakers will work and contribute towards the common good of Hong Kong.

In the coming few months, he will meet with lawmakers and listen to their views to make his policy agenda reflect public sentiment.

Mr Tsang said views from the middle class on Government policy are important. He will reform a number of advisory bodies, including the Executive Council and the Commission on Strategic Development, to include more representatives from the middle class. He will also expand the Home Affairs Bureau's Public Affairs Forum to garner more views from the middle class.

Policy Address coming up

Mr Tsang said his first Policy Address will be delivered at the start of the coming legislative year in October. This is because his term will only last for two years, and there is a need to inform lawmakers of his policy objectives as soon as possible.

On the coming July 1 rally, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong people have freedom of speech and expression, and he will forward people's concerns to the Central Government. He reiterated he will not re-start work on Article 23 during his two-year term.

Turning to the issue of minimum pay and maximum working hours, Mr Tsang said the issue is being discussed by the Labour Advisory Board, adding any legislative proposal should be carefully considered, widely discussed and have gained public consensus.

He said the proposal to allocate part of the investment income from the Exchange Fund as government revenue would have a major impact on both society and the economy. He noted if the economy continues to perform well and has a growth rate of 4.5% to 5.5%, there may be room for tax concessions.

Tamar project revisited

When asked about the civil service pay judicial review, Mr Tsang said he will respect the court ruling, adding rational discussion with civil servants will continue.

On the development of the Tamar Site as Government headquarters, Mr Tsang said he will review the project and look into the issue of financing the project, adding about $29 billion will be allocated to infrastructural projects each year to create more jobs.

Turning to people's livelihood, he said the smoking ban, widely supported by the public, has been thoroughly consulted and discussed. While the Government will continue to support the restaurant trade, one of Hong Kong tourism's main pillars, the ban must be implemented to safeguard public health.

Mr Tsang also expressed concern over the issue of healthcare financing, as the population keeps aging, and about 14% of all Government spending is for healthcare. He expected the figure may continue to grow, and the Health, Welfare & Food Bureau is exploring the feasibility of healthcare financing.

He noted drainage improvement works have been planned for Western District, which was seriously affected by last week's heavy downpour. He said they will speed up their implementation.