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XI. District Administration and Governance
District Administration
209. Starting from the new term of DCs in January 2016, the Government proposes to increase the honorarium of DC members by 15% in real terms and offer every DC member a new provision of $10,000 per term to cover expenses for duty visits.
210. Last year, the Government introduced a pilot scheme in Sham Shui Po and Yuen Long, providing the District Management Committees chaired by District Officers with power to decide on and co-ordinate work to address certain management and environmental hygiene problems of some public areas and with the DC's advice on the work priorities. The scheme has proved highly successful. It responds actively to public aspirations and has been well received by the local communities. The Government will conduct a review upon completing the pilot scheme in August this year. The Government will actively consider providing additional manpower and resources depending on circumstances to implement the scheme in all 18 districts starting from the next DC term to take forward the concept of "addressing district issues at the local level and capitalising on local opportunities".
211. In the coming five financial years, the Government will provide an additional annual funding of $20.8 million for community involvement programmes to further strengthen the support for DCs in promoting arts and cultural activities in the districts.
Upholding the Core Values
212. Hong Kong's development into a world metropolis is the combined effort of many generations. We should treasure what we have achieved. The rule of law is the cornerstone of our prosperity and stability. Everyone is equal before the law, and everyone must obey it. There is no excuse for anyone to break the law.
213. Over the years, the Government remains committed to upholding core values such as freedom, human rights, democracy, the rule of law and clean governance. The Government will continue to implement the Basic Law, and promote a more comprehensive, thorough and accurate understanding of "One Country, Two Systems" and the Basic Law in the community. Safeguarding the rights of Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and ensuring a proper understanding of the obligation to obey the law are the key to maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability as well as its international status.
The Civil Service
214. The successful implementation of the Government's policies and initiatives relies on the support and teamwork of our professional civil service. I am fully aware that our civil servants are facing growing challenges, heavier workload and greater difficulties. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of them for serving the community with dedication, professionalism and perseverance, and providing quality services for the public in the past year. I firmly believe that our civil service will continue to adhere to the principle of putting people first and fully support the effective governance of the Government in serving the community.
XII. Conclusion
215. Mr President, Honourable Members and fellow citizens, in the past two and a half years, the current-term Government has made gradual progress in pursuing democracy, boosting the economy and improving people's livelihood as pledged in my Manifesto. In the coming year, we still anticipate economic growth and full employment. The HKSAR Government and I will spare no effort to create favourable conditions for various trades, different local communities and people from all walks of life to start new ventures, sustain business and seek employment. We should, however, remain vigilant at all times. We should guard against any acts which will jeopardise our competitiveness, tarnish our reputation, or undermine Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.
216. The coming year is crucial for Hong Kong's constitutional development. If we forge a consensus based on a clear understanding of the situation, for the first time in history, we can select the leader of Hong Kong by universal suffrage by "one person, one vote" in 2017. But to achieve this, we have to lobby members of the Legislative Council and obtain two-thirds majority support from them for the passage of the proposal made in accordance with the Basic Law and the relevant stipulations. To secure the implementation of democratic universal suffrage, we must respect one another and seek common ground while accommodating differences. Neither the community nor the Government will accept or tolerate any unlawful acts.
217. People's livelihood is another priority of the Government for the coming year. Building on the groundwork we have laid to provide adequate housing, alleviate poverty, care for the elderly and support the disadvantaged, we will stay committed to improving the livelihood of the general public, particularly the underprivileged, by changing mindset, implementing appropriate policies and making effective use of financial resources. We are confident that our efforts over the past two years will bear more fruits.
218. Hong Kong people are hardworking, law-abiding and tenacious. Hong Kong is backed by our country and gathering momentum of development. Given the strong fiscal position of the HKSAR Government, we will be able to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead and make right choices as long as we adhere to our values, maintain our confidence and stand united.
219. Lastly, I wish to extend my gratitude to all politically appointed officials and our civil servants for their dedication and efforts. I would also like to thank this Council, the DCs, statutory and advisory bodies as well as members of the public for your support and collaboration. Thank you.
Ends/Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Issued at HKT 13:11
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