Following is the opening remarks by the Chief Executive-elect, Mr John Lee, at a media session today (May 8):
 
Fellow citizens of Hong Kong,
 
     As the sixth-term Chief Executive-elect of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), I have been accorded the honour of serving our country, serving Hong Kong and serving our people for the next five years. This is an honour that I accept with humility and sincere gratitude. With loyalty and perseverance, I shall undertake this historic mission and shoulder this responsibility to unite and lead the 7.4 million Hong Kong people to start a new chapter together.
 
     Although the Chief Executive Election was delayed due to COVID pandemic, and the campaign period was shortened, I have nonetheless taken every opportunity over the past month to meet members of the Election Committee, representatives from different sectors and other members of the public. During my visits and through emails, and social media, I have received tens of thousands of messages and suggestions. These demonstrate the love our citizens have for Hong Kong and have deepened my understanding of various problems our society is facing, and how people hope the Government can do more.
 
     The election campaign has been an incredibly rewarding, inspiring and memorable experience. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to members of the Election Committee for their trust and support, my council of advisers and presidents of my campaign for their advice and encouragement, representatives from different sectors and people who have shared their views and insights. Your every word of support, your every greeting has energised me and brought confidence to me for the future. To the media and frontline reporters, thank you for your tireless coverage. And to the colleagues and volunteers in my campaign office, thank you for all your dedicated and hard work. These memories will remain with me for the rest of my life.
 
     This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR. We must continue to ensure the comprehensive, accurate and firm implementation of the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and the high degree of autonomy to maintain our long-term prosperity and stability.
 
     Having restored order from chaos, it is high time that Hong Kong starts a new chapter of development, a chapter that will be geared towards greater prosperity for all.
 
     We are in a time of great opportunities as well as challenges. Hence, it is imperative that we commit to a result-oriented work culture, uniting all sectors of the community and starting a new chapter for Hong Kong together.
 
     My government will safeguard the constitutional order enshrined by the country's Constitution and the Basic Law. The Chief Executive shall be responsible to the Central People's Government and to the Hong Kong SAR. We will continue to uphold the rule of law, which is a core pillar of our sound governance and tackle future challenges with absolute confidence. Safeguarding our country's sovereignty, national security and development interests, protecting Hong Kong from internal and external threats and ensuring its stability will continue to be of paramount importance.
 
     To prepare for the future, my government will adopt a result-oriented approach, nurture a new governance culture of bold thinking and strong teamwork, and unite all sectors with a view to delivering results that are in the best interest of all Hong Kong people.
 
     Ensuring the well-being of people will always be my key objective. Coming into the position with the readiness for change, I shall look to tackle the most pressing issues we have. The Government shall apply our best efforts to provide more housing and better living environments by streamlining administrative and legal procedures, and adopting innovative measures. We shall improve our healthcare system to provide better healthcare to our people, especially the elderly. We shall also build a caring and inclusive society and enhance upward mobility for our youths.
 
     Development is the key to resolving many issues in society. As such, we must heighten our sense of urgency and further enhance Hong Kong's overall competitiveness and pursue sustainable development. Hong Kong must maximise its strengths under "one country, two systems", proactively integrate into the national development, seize opportunities offered by the GBA (Greater Bay Area) and all the benefits available through our country's rapid developments.
 
     We must make good use of our status as an international metropolis, one that upholds the values of inclusion, diversity and openness. We must expand our international connectivity, establish a more favourable business environment and increase our overall competitiveness. We must further strengthen Hong Kong's role as the gateway and the bridge between the world and our country.
 
     To implement my policy goals, I will shortly be inviting able and experienced people who have the passion and commitment to join my governing team. Under the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", my administration will work in concert with the Legislative Council to raise Hong Kong's governance capability, foster positive interaction between the administration and the legislature, and strengthen dialogue and communications between officials and legislators to jointly solve problems.
 
     My government will be determined to confront the well-entrenched issues that have faced Hong Kong for many years, take decisive steps and adopt efficient and effective actions to resolve them. I look forward to all of us starting a new chapter together, building a Hong Kong that is caring, open and vibrant. And a Hong Kong that is full of hope, opportunities and harmony.
 
     Thank you very much.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the opening remarks.)

Ends/Sunday, May 8, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:14

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