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E. Effective Governance and Social Harmony
112. The fourth challenge lies in effective governance and the public's trust in the Government. Rising inflation, and the controversies over the expansion of the Political Appointment System and post-retirement employment of civil servants, have changed the public's trust in the Government over the past year. People have doubts about certain issues: Have the core values of the HKSAR Government changed? Is the Government trustworthy? Is the Government fair and impartial? Is it less capable than before? Does the Government still adhere to the principle of meritocracy? Does it take into account public opinion in formulating policies?
113. We inherited the political system of the pre-1997 executive-led government. The gradual development of democracy since reunification has brought about significant changes to our political landscape. Hong Kong people have developed keen political awareness, which has led to higher expectations for effective governance. We will draw lessons from the controversy and criticisms over the expansion of the Political Appointment System as our political system evolves.
114. To gain public support, the Government needs to deliver. Our decision-making process has to be more transparent and built on wider community consensus. This will help create an inclusive political environment and promote democracy in an orderly and progressive manner, thereby meeting the public's aspirations for democracy.
Executive Council
115. The Executive Council assists the Chief Executive in policy making. It actively helps the Government promote policies and enhance communication with different sectors of the community. Last year, the Government put forward a new policy agenda for the ensuing five years. A new Legislative Council was elected in September. In light of these developments, I have decided to appoint new members to the Executive Council, which will continue to operate under the principles of confidentiality and collective responsibility. I will announce the new membership shortly.
Political Appointment System
116. Earlier this year, there was some controversy over the expansion of the Political Appointment System. I assure the public that the Government adheres to the principle of meritocracy in its appointments. A number of Under Secretaries and Political Assistants have assumed duty, and their performance is being scrutinised by the Legislative Council and the media. I am confident they will help enhance the political capability of the Government. The expanded Political Appointment System will strengthen the relationship between the Executive Authorities and the Legislature, as communication, formal or otherwise, steps up between Honourable Members and the new appointees.
Relationship between the Executive Authorities and the Legislature
117. There are many new faces in the current term of this Council. I hope that this will bring fresh thinking and a change to the relationship between the Executive Authorities and the Legislature. We will face many challenges in the coming year. The Executive Authorities and the Legislature must co-operate closely before we can take solid action in the interests of our community. I will foster multi-level, multi-front communication between the Executive Authorities and the Legislature. Government officials at different levels -- the Chief Executive, the three Secretaries, all Directors of Bureaux, as well as Under Secretaries and Political Assistants -- will maintain dialogue with Members when formulating policies, and seek their views as early as possible.
Electoral Methods for 2012
118. The timetable for universal suffrage set by the NPCSC last year enjoys wide support in the community. To lay a solid foundation for universal suffrage, the top priority for the Third Term HKSAR Government is to determine the two electoral methods for 2012 with a view to further democratising the election systems. In the first half of 2009, we will consult the public on the methods for electing the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council in 2012. I hope that in the coming years, different sectors and political parties will be pragmatic and make good use of the time to forge a consensus for the electoral arrangements in 2012.
(To be continued)
Ends/Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Issued at HKT 12:27
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