(Deutsche Welle Chinese website) Hong Kong will elect a new chief executive next month, but there is only one candidate for this election, namely the former Secretary for Security and the current Chief Secretary Li Jiachao. With no contenders, he is expected to be elected as Hong Kong’s new chief executive by the pro-Beijing electoral committee on May 8.
Strengthening the Government’s Enforcement Capability and Streamlining the Public Housing Procedures
Today (April 29), Lee Ka-chao announced his post-assuming political platform at a briefing on the political platform, which includes four platforms, namely, strengthening the government’s governance capacity, increasing the speed and efficiency of land and housing, enhancing Hong Kong’s international competitiveness, and building a caring society and a harmonious society. Emphasis on youth development. Among the four programs, in terms of strengthening government governance, Li Jiachao said that he will strengthen policy research and overall planning capabilities, and strengthen government execution capabilities. An “emergency mobilization mechanism” will also be set up to require different departments to provide civil servants to respond to emergencies. He also mentioned that he will push forward the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, which prohibits any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion of the Central People’s Government and theft of state secrets. In terms of land and housing, Li Jiachao advocates streamlining procedures and proposes an “early boarding” plan for public housing, allowing residents to choose whether to move in early and shorten the waiting time.
Developing an I&T Centre to Address Intergenerational Poverty
In terms of enhancing international competitiveness, Li Jiachao mentioned that the Greater Bay Area is a powerful opportunity for Hong Kong’s development. Hong Kong should be developed into an innovation and technology center, and innovation and technology research should be transformed into industries and commodities, and upgraded to a complete industrial chain. In terms of caring for the society, Li Jiachao proposed the “Pilot Project to Address Intergenerational Poverty” to provide training and activities for 1,000 junior high school students living in subdivided housing. He also plans to consolidate the Old Age Living Allowance and introduce looser eligibility limits. But despite Li Jiachao’s slogan of “opening a new chapter for Hong Kong together,” his policy appears to have changed little from the current Beijing-led line of the Carrie Lam administration.
According to a report by Hong Kong’s online media “Independent Media”, at the briefing session, no questions from attendees were opened, and only Tan Yaozong, director of the campaign office, read out the questions on his behalf. According to the “Hong Kong 01” report, when a media asked whether he would include pro-democracy figures in his ruling team, Li Jiachao only replied that he would use people based on their abilities and hope to work with those who have “common ideas”. When asked if he would give amnesty to the “anti-amendment” protesters, Li Jiachao said that Hong Kong is a place ruled by law, and everyone should abide by the law.
U.S. sanctions campaign YouTube channel blocked
Li Jiachao served as Deputy Commissioner of the Hong Kong Police Force and Secretary of Security in the past. He served as Chief Secretary for Administration before running for the election of the Chief Executive. He is also the first Chief Secretary for Administration in Hong Kong history. During the “anti-revision” period, he instructed the police to use strong measures to suppress the demonstrators, causing a lot of public grievances.
In August 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against 11 Chinese and Hong Kong officials who undermined Hong Kong’s autonomy, including Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and then-Secretary of Security Li Jiachao. On the 19th of this month, Li Jiachao’s YouTube channel for campaigning was terminated. YouTube’s parent company, Google, responded at the time, saying it was only complying with relevant U.S. sanctions laws and implementing relevant policies in accordance with its terms of service. Tan Yiu-chung, director of the campaign office, expressed regret and believed that the practice was unreasonable, but stressed that the publicity activities would not be affected.
(Comprehensive report)
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