Central govt reaffirms support for Carrie Lam
The central government on Thursday reaffirmed its support for Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and the special administrative region government in exercising law-based governance.
Wang Zhimin, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, made the remarks at the launch ceremony of a local preparatory committee for Hong Kong’s celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
His comments came amidst calls for Lam to step down by critics of her handling of the now-suspended extradition law amendments.
But Wang said the central government recognises Lam’s courage in rising to these challenges and approves of her proactive policies and governing style in addressing vital social and economic issues.
The people of Hong Kong will enjoy a greater sense of achievement and happiness with the implementation of government policies and initiatives in coming years, Wang stressed.
He urged Hong Kong people to give the SAR government time to show the results of its commitment to listen to views from all sections of society.
Wang also discussed the enormous potential of Hong Kong’s integration into national development. He said this would provide tremendous opportunities for Hong Kong people – especially the younger generation.
They would be able to study, live, work and start businesses in a much larger market, he noted.
Hong Kong is expected to maintain its prosperity and stability and also enjoy future success with the efforts of its people and the strong backing of an increasingly powerful motherland, said Wang.
The central government would resolutely implement the “one country, two systems” principle which guarantees the best constitutional arrangement for Hong Kong to maintain economic prosperity and social stability, he added.
Under this principle, and with support of the central government, Hong Kong has overcome numerous challenges, particularly the Asian financial crisis in 1997, outbreak of the SARS epidemic in 2003, and international credit crisis in 2008. These challenges had ultimately made Hong Kong stronger, and helped the city upgrade its status as an international financial center and regional shipping and trade hub.
During the past 22 years since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has moved up the global rule of law rankings from 60th to 16th place.