This screengrab of an online press conference held by former Hong Kong chief secretary John Lee Ka-chiu shows him formally announcing his candidacy and platform for next month’s Sixth-term Chief Executive Election, April 9, 2022.
More Election Committee members on Monday expressed support for John Lee Ka-chiu’s bid for the city’s top job, after Lee visited nearly a dozen political parties and associations throughout the day to discuss his policy vision and seek suggestions.
The former chief secretary for administration on Saturday announced his candidacy for chief executive, the election for which is scheduled for May 8.
Lee said Monday’s meetings were productive. Many political and social leaders expressed support of his administrative plans to increase the city’s competitiveness, tackle social issues on a results-oriented process, and create a firm foundation for development.
Lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok, chairman of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, said after a meeting that John Lee demonstrated strong will and the ability to serve society, a willingness to hear various opinions, and a pragmatic work approach
They also expressed expectations on issues such as further integrating Hong Kong into national development, reviving the city’s economy, and creating a stable social environment amid the turbulent international political situation.
Lee said that because of the limited time before the filing deadline, his first priority is to seek more support from EC members before submitting his nomination form. After that, he will draw up his political platform, basing it on suggestions collected from his discussions.
The nomination period of the election began on April 3 and ends on Saturday. Lee needs to submit his nomination form to the Electoral Affairs Commission by Thursday because of the two-day public holiday on Friday and Saturday.
ALSO READ: Lee 'turning a new page' for next generation
Lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok, chairman of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, said after the meeting that Lee demonstrated strong will and the ability to serve society, a willingness to hear various opinions, and a pragmatic work approach.
Although Lee does not yet have a detailed political platform, he has served in the government for many years, and the party members are quite familiar with his working style, Lo said. He said he believes Lee will thoroughly consider the alliance’s advice when drafting a platform.
Henry Tang Ying-yen, president of Friends of Hong Kong Association, said all of the association’s 388 EC members have welcomed Lee’s bid. They have pinned high hopes on Lee’s policy vision, especially for establishing a solid foundation for development, Tang said.
He added that besides national security and the rule of law, Lee’s platform should also cover economic areas such as finance and trade, as well as public health and employment.
Henry Tang Ying-yen, president of Friends of Hong Kong Association, said all of the association’s 388 EC members have welcomed John Lee’s bid for the city's top job
On Monday, many EC members went to Lee’s candidacy office to present nomination forms. Lee said that he had received about 300 nominations from nearly 1,500 EC members by Sunday night. Candidates for chief executive must obtain at least 188 nominations from EC members, with a minimum of 15 nominations being from each of the five sectors represented in the committee.
READ MORE: HK business leaders hail Lee as good fit for top job
On Monday, Lee met with political party leaders from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, the Liberal Party, the New People’s Party, and the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions.
He also exchanged views with members of HKCPPCC (Provincial) Members Association, Friends of Hong Kong Association, the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organizations, the Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations, and Heung Yee Kuk, an advisory body representing the interests of New Territories residents