Newly appointed chief executive expected to boost prosperity, stability

With the full recognition and trust of the central government, John Lee Ka-chiu, the newly appointed chief executive of the Hong Kong special administrative region, is better placed to tackle the SAR's deep-seated social problems and lead the city to achieve greater success, representatives of various sectors said.

In a visit to Beijing from Saturday through Tuesday, Lee was received by President Xi Jinping and awarded a certificate of appointment as the sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR by Premier Li Keqiang. He also met with Xia Baolong, director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office. Lee will begin his five-year term on July 1.

In the meeting on Monday, Xi conveyed the central government's full recognition and support to Lee, and spoke highly of Lee's unwavering patriotism, love for Hong Kong, and great contribution to safeguarding national security in Hong Kong as well as the city's prosperity and stability.

Meeting with reporters after returning to Hong Kong on Tuesday, Lee said he felt honored about the central government's affirmation. Lee said he will go all out to live up to the expectations of the central government and the residents of Hong Kong.

Lee added that he will confirm the list of his governing team as soon as possible and submit it to the central government for consideration.

Talking on a radio program on Tuesday, Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong's delegate to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said Xi's remarks showed the central government's strong confidence in Hong Kong's future. Tam said he believes that the central government will give serious consideration to future proposals submitted by Lee, and that these will be of great benefit to the city's development.

Stanley Ng Chau-pei, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, said Lee's appointment is a living embodiment of "patriots administering Hong Kong". It has also set the standard for future administrators, as those who want to run the city are not only required to fulfill the duty of safeguarding national security, but also need to make certain contributions to the city's prosperity and stability, Ng said.

Lee was urged by representatives of various social groups to meet the central government's expectations and ensure Hong Kong's long-lasting prosperity.

Congratulating Lee's appointment in a joint statement, five civil servant groups said they envisioned Lee leading the new-term government to unite different sectors, respond to society's needs and enhance the city's administration.

Hong Kong scientist Chan Ching-chuen, who is a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said he expects Lee to fuel the city's bid to evolve into a world-class innovative technology hub. He advised Lee to establish a complete innovation and technology chain to ensure deep integration of key elements such as talent, policies, enterprises and the market.

Renowned ophthalmologist Chau Pak-chin, president of think tank Wisdom Hong Kong, said that handling the challenges posed by the pandemic remains the city's priority. He hopes that Lee will learn from the lessons of curbing the fifth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak and make preparations for a possible sixth wave.

Kwok Wai-keung, a young Hong Kong entrepreneur based in Shenzhen's Qianhai service industry cooperation zone, described Lee as the right person for the top leadership position. The founder of R-Guardian, a smart wearable products producer, expressed his hopes that the new-term SAR government will roll out more policy support for young people and for the innovation and technology development of the city.