Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu urged voters to cast their ballots in the Legislative Council election in order to help promote reform and support victims as the city is dealing with the aftermath of the devastating Tai Po fire.
Speaking to the press after casting his vote at Raimondi College polling station, Lee said a lot of work needed to be done to support victims, facilitate post-disaster recovery and find out the truth behind the tragedy at Wang Fuk Court, making society safer and citizens’ lives more secure.
He said his administration will introduce its first motion on supporting the victims and implementing systemic reforms when he first meets the newly formed LegCo next year.
Lee stressed that LegCo has a lot of powers, including approving spending and enacting new laws, calling for voters to cast their votes to “build a better Hong Kong.”
He said this vote represents “a vote for reform, safeguarding the victims in the fire, and unity in moving forward together.”
Lee also praises the voting process for being smooth and conveniently, with polling station staff providing clear explanations to voters.
He said the government has carried out a series of measures to make voting more convenient, including extending voting hours and setting up more than 660 polling stations.
In addition to over 610 general polling stations, there are several designated polling stations, including 10 for civil servants in disciplined service, seven for Hospital Authority healthcare staff and two for ethnic minorities.
Moreover, there are three outreach polling stations for residential care homes, covering 11 care homes for the elderly and four care homes for persons with disabilities.
There are also three near boundary polling stations in Sheung Shui, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Hong Kong International Airport to accommodate voters crossing the border.
Lee added that any support for the election and victims is highly encouraging following some businesses offering discounts to voters and making donations for victims.
When asked if the independent committee report will be published before the end of his term, Lee pledged to investigate the truth and hold those accountable in a highly efficient manner.
He said he is in the process of selecting a judge to lead the committee and will discuss with them how to investigate the incident and push for systemic reforms.
He believes that the issues revealed by the committee will result in government reforms and he promised to make announcements as soon as decisions are made.
