Reaching out: Chief Executive Donald Tsang tells legislators the Government will enhance communication with the public.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the Government will reach out to the community and will be more active in communicating with the public. Principal officials will enhance ties with lawmakers and District Officers will work closer with District Councils to address citizens' needs.

Speaking at the Legislative Council question-and-answer session this afternoon, Mr Tsang said the political environment has changed recently. The public is more involved in the policy formulation process, and public consultation exercises have been transformed into public engagement exercises.

Noting LegCo plays an important role in bridging the Government and the public, Mr Tsang said the proposal to expand the accountability system will enhance ties between principal officials and lawmakers. Officials will spend more time attending LegCo meetings to explain Government policies and garner public views.

At district level, District Officers will co-operate with District Councils, and the Government will seize every opportunity to speak with community groups when dealing with issues of public concern, such as cultural heritage conservation.

2-way street

Mr Tsang said public engagement is a dual-way communication process, and both the Government and the community have their own roles to play. Government officials should reach out to the community while community groups should organise themselves to collect public views and reflect them to the Government.

Noting it is a long-term job requiring effort from the Government and the community, Mr Tsang said with determination and mutual trust, both parties can get the job done.

Hong Kong people have viewed public policies with a different standard over the past ten years, he said. While pursuing economic development, they also pursue other objectives like sustainable development and heritage conservation.

Admitting there were some insufficiencies in these areas, Mr Tsang said the Government needs time to adapt to the situation and adjust its strategies. He assured that his new team will do its utmost to lead the public service in a professional and pragmatic manner.

Live pig supply

Speaking on the supply of live pigs, Mr Tsang said the Government attaches great importance to the recent supply shortage and will discuss the issue with the Central Government.

Noting the Mainland has its own policy on live pig exports, he said existing supply arrangements ensure that pigs to be exported to Hong Kong are of good quality and safe for consumption.

On the progress of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge project, Mr Tsang said the three jurisdictions are working closely to deal with financing arrangements. He hopes construction can start during his tenure.

Regarding the proposed Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express, Mr Tsang said the Government supports the proposal and hopes progress can be made by the end of this year.

Green paper 

On political development, Mr Tsang said a green paper on constitutional development will be published soon, offering a wide rage of options for public discussion. He said the move is the first step towards universal suffrage and it will take some time for the city to come up with a proposal that incorporates the majority's views.

The final proposal must comply with the Basic Law and be supported by two-thirds of lawmakers, the Chief Executive and the Central Government. He urged the public and lawmakers to adopt an optimistic, active and sincere attitude in discussing the issue.

A consultation paper on healthcare reform will be published later this year, covering health financing options and job distribution between public and private medical care institutions.

Noting the Government's spending on public health services will rise from 14% to 17%, Mr Tsang said it is necessary to discuss how to mobilise community resources to improve the healthcare system.