Xia Baolong reminds district councilors to repay public support with concrete actions

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Xia Baolong called on the district councilors-elect on Friday to answer to citizens’ trust and support with concrete actions, saying that they are the assistants in the SAR government’s administration. 

This came as Xia delivered a speech at a seminar to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies in Beijing this morning. 

The seminar was broadcast in the city while sources earlier said all 470 incoming district councilors must not miss Xia’s speech in this Hong Kong relay. 

Xia said the success of the District Councils election indicates that the revamped electoral system has been fully implemented in Hong Kong and the principle of “patriots rule Hong Kong” can now enjoy firm systematic protection. 

It is now time to transform the advantages of the system led by patriots for China and Hong Kong into efficiency in governance and administration, he added. 

Xia continued that the District Councils are an important part of the government and should amplify the atmosphere of patriotism towards China and Hong Kong by focusing on grassroots and serving the communities with concrete actions. 

Xia also said not only are councilors the assistants of the government in terms of policy administration, they are also helpers in solving citizens’ everyday issues. They function as a connecting bridge to bring together the public and the government as well. 

He noted that President Xi Jinping has reiterated the Central Government’s determination of insisting on the “one country two systems” principle, strengthening the faith of the SAR government and Hongkongers in advancing the city from order to prosperity and creating a brighter future. 

He continued that the “greater interests” of Hong Kong and China should override the “minor interests” of any individuals, enterprises, schools, organizations or units. 

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also referred to the Basic Law that defines the District Councils as non-political consultative organizations that provide district services. 

It is a key part of perfecting district governance that the councils’ original duties are now restored, Lee also said.