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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang's concept of pragmatic governance had been given effect throughout his Policy Address, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Rafael Hui, said in the Legislative Council today (October 25).
Mr Hui said that despite the constraint posed by a new Chief Executive taking office in eight months' time, the new policies introduced in the Policy Address would have a long-term impact on the community.
Citing the voucher scheme for pre-primary eduction as an example, Mr Hui said, "Not only does it ease parents' financial burden by subsidising pre-primary tuition fees of their children, the subsidy for kindergartens embedded in the voucher also encourages kindergartens to upgrade teachers' training and facilities.
"We look forward to an overall improvement in our early childhood education in the future, thus providing good pre-school education for our future generations."
He also pointed out that the Policy Address encouraged fresh thinking and new ideas in strengthening the functioning of families and providing various family-based support to meet the needs of the community.
Mr Hui said the Policy Address was proactive and pragmatic. It had its eyes on the future and had far-reaching effect on building a harmonious society.
He said that the Chief Executive was a practical person and Hong Kong people were appreciative of his pragmatic attitude.
Mr Hui said the Chief Executive had never spoken about any unrealistic project since taking up his post. Instead, he had worked pragmatically. In the past year, he had completed and initiated many infrastructural projects. He had also done much on issues of major concern to the community, such as food safety, surveillance of infectious diseases and environmental protection.
"He has handled many important and sensitive issues including constitutional development, the enhancement of district administration, the West Kowloon Cultural District Project and review of competition policy. And, fiscal balance has been restored."
Mr Hui appealed to all members of the Legislative Council to support the Chief Executive's Policy Address, so that all strategies and policies could be implemented smoothly.
Ends/Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:37
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