The Chief Executive-elect, Mr John Lee, has continued to meet and exchange views with Legislative Council (LegCo) Members today (May 20) in two sessions, the first session with legislators from the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, and the second with those from the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions and the Third Side, as well as some others.

     Mr Lee listened to their views on the new-term Government on a wide range of issues, including fighting the epidemic, resumption of normal travel, economic development, employment, assistance to the unemployed, land and housing as well as youth development.

     Thanking them for the views expressed, Mr Lee also introduced the proposed reorganisation of the government structure during both meetings. He stressed that the reorganisation of bureaux allows individual bureaux to handle issues of public concern in a more focused and detailed manner and generates a synergy effect. The creation of three deputy secretaries of departments also helps to strengthen governance and co-ordination capabilities, facilitate cross-bureau and cross-department co-ordination, and enhance governance efficiency.

     Mr Lee said that representatives of the Office of the Chief Executive-elect would continue to attend LegCo’s relevant committee meetings to address legislators’ questions and comments. He appealed to all LegCo Members to support the reorganisation proposal and expressed the hope that the relevant legislative and funding procedures could be completed by mid-June, so that the new government structure could take effect on July 1.

     ​The Chief Executive-elect, Mr John Lee, continued to make courtesy calls this afternoon (May 9), visiting various offices of the Central People’s Government (CPG) in Hong Kong.

 

    Mr Lee first called on the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Luo Huining, at the Liaison Office. He said the new-term Government will stay true to the letter and spirit of the “one country, two systems” principle, and hope to receive continued strong support and assistance from the CPG, so that Hong Kong could make use of its unique functional position under the Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan to actively integrate into the country’s overall development, strengthen the city’s role as a first-class international metropolis, and fully enhance its competitiveness in the pursuit of sustainable development.

 

    He subsequently called on the Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Zheng Yanxiong. He thanked the Office for supporting HKSAR’s work of safeguarding national security, adding that the new-term Government will attach great importance to laying a stable foundation for future development.

 

    He then called on the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Liu Guangyuan. He said Hong Kong, facing keen global competition, looks forward to continued backing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its external work.

 

    The Chief Executive-elect concluded his visits by meeting the Commander-in-chief of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison, Major General Peng Jingtang, and the Political Commissar of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, Navy Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin, at the Headquarters of the Garrison.