NT villagers' support crucial for Northern Metropolis development, home affairs secretary says

New Territories villagers’ support is crucial for the government to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen said at Heung Yee Kuk’s spring reception on Thursday.

She also called on the Heung Yee Kuk to give suggestions so as to perfect the planning of the Northern Metropolis.

Mak said her bureau has been promoting the harmonious development of families, communities and young people centered on the principle of “all things prosper in a harmonious family” last year.

Also at the reception, Heung Yee Kuk chairman Kenneth Lau Ip-keung said he would continue to lead the Heung Yee Kuk to support the development projects in the Northern Metropolis and serve as a bridge of communication between the government and the villagers.

He hopes the government will take into account the rights of the villagers and landowners in the course of metropolis' development and fully consult their views.

Mak said her bureau has organized a number of workshops to promote New Territories' traditional customs, transmit Chinese culture and foster patriotic sentiments among young individuals with “youth prosperity” being the key development objective.

The bureau and the Home Affairs Department will take proactive steps in youth development in the future. 

“We hope that the Heung Yee Kuk will provide continued support and cultivate young people to become a new generation of patriots who love their country, Hong Kong and their villages.”

(Stacy Shi)