Chief Executive-designate John Lee Ka-chiu delivers a speech after his governing team meets the press in Hong Kong on June 19, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Incoming Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu pledged on Sunday that the city’s newly-appointed governance team, which includes new faces outside the government, incumbent officials and retired civil servants, will sincerely listen to and communicate with the public, bear in mind public interests, and address the people’s concerns.
Introducing his new team of principal officials to the media, Lee thanked the central government for accepting and approving his nominations, as well as its trust and support for him.
The next five years are crucial for Hong Kong in advancing from stability to prosperity. We’ll rise to the challenges ahead and lead Hong Kong in making good use of the unique strengths of “one country, two systems” to open a new chapter.
John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive-designate
Earlier on Sunday, the State Council appointed 26 principal officials of the sixth-term administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, based on Lee’s nominations.
Lee said the team is united, loyal and will be results-oriented, vowing to stay committed to serving the people, enhancing the efficiency of administration, as well as reaching out and listening to the public.
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“The next five years are crucial for Hong Kong in advancing from stability to prosperity. We’ll rise to the challenges ahead and lead Hong Kong in making good use of the unique strengths of “one country, two systems” to open a new chapter,” he said.
Among the newly-appointed officials, six are new faces from outside the government, including senior counsel Paul Lam Ting-kwok, who will be the next secretary for justice; Cheung Kwok-kwan, who will become deputy secretary for justice; Professor Lo Chung-mau, who will be secretary for health; and Alice Mak Mei-kuen, who has been appointed the next secretary for home and youth affairs.
Chief Executive-designate John Lee Ka-chiu (center, front) and principal officials of his governing team meet the press in Hong Kong after the State Council approved the nominations of the officials on June 19, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
The incoming team comprises civil servants with extensive experience in government, professionals, and those who are skilled in their own sectors. They include six women who make up a quarter of the team – the highest number of female members in a governance team since the handover
Lee said the new appointees are well-recognized by their peers and chosen for their extensive experience in their respective fields.
The incoming team comprises civil servants with extensive experience in government, professionals, and those who are skilled in their own sectors. They include six women who make up a quarter of the team – the highest number of female members in a governance team since the handover.
Lee also thanked Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and the current-term civil servants for helping in the transition process.
Lam congratulated the newly appointed principal officials.
“I am sure that, under the leadership of the Chief Executive, they will steadfastly implement the 'one country, two systems' principle, focus on development as the top priority and strive to resolve those economic and livelihood issues of common concern with perseverance and dedication,” she said in a statement issued on Sunday afternoon.
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Lam also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all incumbent principal officials for their diligence and dedication over the past five years.