CE John Lee supports bureau chiefs in reform efforts following director Xia's guidance

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has expressed strong support for each bureau chief in fulfilling their respective roles and independently reporting to the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Xia Baolong.

His remarks came following Xia's visit to the Greater Bay Area on February 8, during which he instructed bureau chiefs to implement further reforms while Lee was on an official visit to Harbin.

Speaking before the weekly Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, Lee acknowledged Xia’s busy work schedule and encouraged bureau chiefs to personally communicate their matters to various stakeholders. 

He emphasized the government's ongoing commitment to pursue further reforms and address existing challenges with urgency.

Since taking office, Lee has implemented various reforms, including the establishment of investment companies in Hong Kong. 

He highlighted that these reforms aim to rectify shortcomings in various systems and frameworks, leading to improvements in government culture and operational efficiency. 

Lee underscored his belief that “there is no best, only better,” demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

He urged the government to adopt a reform-minded attitude, boldly overcoming obstacles and acting swiftly while recognizing the urgency of the situation. 

“Reform will not have a definitive end; it is an ongoing process, which is why I frequently raise demands regarding reform,” Lee said.

He also expressed gratitude to Xia for providing direction and guidance for Hong Kong’s development, noting that Xia clarifies how local efforts align with the overall national development strategy, ensuring the correct path, timing, and effectiveness of results.

When questioned about potentially replacing poorly performing officials, Lee indicated that unsatisfactory performance would be addressed with guidance for improvement but expressed confidence in his current governance team, describing it as united and cohesive. 

He acknowledged that despite the numerous reforms introduced over the past two and a half years, societal issues persist, and new challenges arise daily, emphasizing a continuous commitment to progress.

(Cheng Wong)