The 2006-07 Policy Address will have a long-term impact on the community, despite Chief Executive Donald Tsang's term ending in eight month's time. This was the message from Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui today, addressing the Legislative Council.

Citing the kindergarten voucher scheme as an example of pragmatic governance, Mr Hui said: "Not only does it ease parents' financial burden by subsidising pre-primary tuition fees for their children, the subsidy for kindergartens embedded in the voucher also encourages kindergartens to upgrade teacher training and facilities.

"We look forward to an overall improvement in our early childhood education, thus providing good pre-school education for our future generations."

Fresh thinking

Mr Hui said the Policy Address encourages fresh thinking and new ideas in strengthening the functioning of families and providing various family-based support to meet the community's needs. He hailed it as proactive and pragmatic with far-reaching effects on building a harmonious society.

Mr Hui said Mr Tsang is a practical person and Hong Kong people are appreciative of his pragmatic attitude.

"He has handled many important and sensitive issues, including constitutional development, the enhancement of district administration, the West Kowloon Cultural District Project and the review on competition policy. Moreover, the fiscal balance has been restored."

Mr Hui appealed to legislators to support the address, so all its strategies and policies can be implemented smoothly.