Former Hong Kong chief secretary John Lee Ka-chiu (center), arrives at an office building where he has a temporary office in preparation for running the upcoming leadership race in Hong Kong, April 8, 2022. (KIN CHEUNG / AP)
All-round support for John Lee Ka-chiu poured in from Hong Kong’s political and business leaders, as well as legislators, on Saturday after the former chief secretary for administration threw his hat in the ring for the city’s top job.
Among those who gave their blessings is Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference – the nation’s top political advisory body.
Leung called on various sectors of the community to unite and support the next Hong Kong administration under the leadership of the new chief executive and start afresh, paving the way for a solid foundation for the next generation.
READ MORE: Lee: I’m on a historic mission to take HK forward
Lee formally announced his candidacy for the Sixth-term Chief Executive Election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to be held on May 8 and launched his election campaign via an online media briefing on Saturday.
Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, called on various sectors of the community to unite and support the next Hong Kong administration under the leadership of the new chief executive and start afresh
He pledged to bring fresh hope to the people of Hong Kong and “open a new chapter” for the city with a three-pronged approach – solving the SAR’s deep-rooted issues based on a results-oriented process; increasing the overall competitiveness of Hong Kong; and creating a firm foundation for the city’s development.
Lauding Lee’s platform as visionary and pragmatic, Hong Kong leaders from various sectors backed his bid to be the SAR’s next chief executive.
In a statement, members of the 1,500-strong Election Committee’s textiles and garments sub-sector and Sunny Tan, who represents the textiles and garment functional constituency in the Legislative Council, said Lee has rich experience in working with the Chinese mainland authorities and has been involved in formulating many government policies. Thus, he knows well how the government operates.
In his previous capacity as secretary for security, Lee had met with members of the sector and listened to their views and concerns, the statement said. Hence, the sector believes that Lee, who’s willing to communicate and work with various sectors, can unite the industrial, business and professional quarters in planning policies for Hong Kong’s future development.
Peter Lam Kin-ngok, a Hong Kong member of the CPPCC National Committee, pledged full support for Lee’s election bid, saying Lee’s platform represents his future policy blueprint, showing his commitment to and undertaking for Hong Kong’s development, as well as in addressing the concerns of the community.
FULL TEXT: John Lee's CE candidacy announcement
Lee’s election platform is also in line with the common aspirations of various sectors in the city – reviving the economy battered by COVID-19 and improving the people’s livelihood – Lam said.
Lam is confident that Lee will form a governing team with a vision, capability, professionalism and accountability, comprising talents with the experience and expertise in dealing with economics, finance, housing and people’s livelihood.
Shiu Ka-fai, a lawmaker from the wholesale and retail functional constituency, said he will nominate Lee, who had shown the charisma of a brave, wise and cohesive man when he was working with him.
For a leader, it’s of paramount importance in choosing someone who’s capable, and Lee has the ability to lead an excellent team in implementing the SAR government’s policies, Shiu said.
He said Lee has demonstrated his loyalty to the country, as well as his resolve in safeguarding Hong Kong during the social unrest in 2019.
Lawmaker Kingsley Wong Kwok said Lee’s election platform and slogans have taken the pulse of issues Hong Kong faces.
Calling Lee a person who’s fit for the city’s top job, Wong hopes the next chief executive can unite the various sectors, listen to their views and attend to the underprivileged and the labor sector to create a fine and fair city.