Better economy, health care, livelihood top hopes

Hongkongers have urged the government to improve the economy, as well as the supply of flats and medical services, the Sing Tao opinion poll showed.

The survey, conducted between June 10 and Thursday, polled a total of 11,892 people online.

Asked which policies the government could improve, 16.4 percent highlighted the economy while 15.4 percent went in for livelihood issues, followed by medical services, land and housing supply, and education - and only 3.3 percent thought the government should prioritize safeguarding national security.

The respondents also said the administration should reduce the cost of public transportation and services and offer salaries tax reductions.

Some also suggested that electronic consumption vouchers should return to boost the local retail sector.

Other suggestions included promoting industry diversification, more consultation quotas for public dental clinics, a larger coverage of the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme and a more lenient approach to anti-smoking policies.

Economist Terence Chong Tai-leung said the local economy has been growing, albeit at a slower pace.

He said the city's economic structure has been changing, and the downturn of specific industries - such as retail and catering - does not significantly hinder the overall economy.

The SAR is seeing a recovery in the hotel, insurance and finance industries, while the innovative technology sector is also emerging.

"We should give the market free rein," Chong said, adding that Hongkongers are "smart enough" to make a living.

He also welcomed the push for a mega-event economy, but costs should have been considered when inviting global stars to perform in Hong Kong.

He suggested the SAR could hold more international competitions and conferences.

"Every city will have people dissatisfied [with the division of resources]," Chong said, adding that Hong Kong already has a low inflation rate when compared with other places.

Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies consultant Lau Siu-kai said the administration should focus on economic development, as well as doing more work to help the grassroots and the disadvantaged.

Unless there are signs of serious unrest, people would not be particularly concerned about safeguarding national safety, Lau added.

Legislative Council member Ben Chan Han-pan said that the administration should work harder on promoting tourism while maintaining a "relaxed environment" to avoid affecting the image overseas tourists have of Hong Kong.