Policy address reflects 'pro-people' mentality
China Daily  Updated: 2005-01-13 06:34

Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa has focused on the economy and people's livelihood in his policy address to the Legislative Council. His "pro-people" governing concept will enable the masses to benefit from Hong Kong's improving economy. After 1997, Hong Kong suffered many attacks on its economy - from the Asian financial crisis and global downturn to the SARS outbreak. After years of struggle, the sun finally shone on SAR in the second half of 2003, thanks to the central government's backing and an improved global economic environment.

After its first positive growth in a long time that year, the local economy recovered fully in 2004, during which the GDP in all probability exceeded 7.5 per cent. The stock and property markets too exhibited signs of a slow, but sure rejuvenation and the rate of unemployment showed a steady decline. The runaway budget deficit was reined in. The 68 months of deflation were over and, both the domestic market and exports witnessed a boom. What was most heartening is that investors had evidentially regained their confidence in Hong Kong.

But no matter what the reasons are, the grass-roots level of society is yet to taste the fruits of economic growth. The unemployment rates for semi-skilled and non-technical workers are still high and the income gap has widened further, intensifying social conflicts.

The chief executive at his last month's press conference had honestly conceded that such a problem did exist. But he had also said it was society's responsibility to help the poor shake off poverty.

The biggest question before society and the SAR government is how to reach the benefits of an improved economy to the lower stratum. To try and achieve this, Tung has proposed two approaches. The first is to promote economic development - especially in the core sectors of finance, logistics, tourism and services - to create more new jobs. The government will also try to boost new economic growth engines and expedite urban renewal projects and renovation of old buildings, for such construction projects would create new jobs.

Tung's second approach comprises a series of measures, including the setting up of a poverty-mitigating commission, headed by Financial Secretary Henry Tang. The proposed commission would relax the restrictions on handing out of social security doles and help poor children and needy individuals prepare for a better future by giving them good education and occupational training.

The rising economy has given the government the chance to concentrate on the uplift of the poor by revising its policy and re-deploying its resources in a way that would favour the lower stratum and help them enjoy the fruits of economic success. This indeed is an example of pro-people policy.

The focus on the poor has prompted Tung not to mention any expensive infrastructure project in his 2005 policy address. This line of thinking has enabled the government to address directly Hong Kong's pressing problems. And because this vein of thought tallies with social realities as well as public opinion, it should be able to get the support of the general public.

Hong Kong is a pluralistic society in which each person's aspiration is different from the other's. It is thus understandable that people will differ over the contents of Tung's policy speech. Yet, as long as the government keeps people's interests in mind, it would be able to enlist the backing of the majority of society.

We hope that politicians will give an objective and fair interpretation of the keynote of the policy address and provide a positive and useful guidance for the community.

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