'Not all things can be accomplished in four years, but a lot can be done'

Being chief executive is a great mission and one has to disregard personal benefits as the city's leader, says John Lee.

Asked if he will seek a second term, Lee said he will focus on his current work, adding it doesn't matter if he isn't the person completing projects and earning the credit.

Reviewing work done in the past year, Lee said resuming normality after the pandemic and reopening the borders with the mainland and overseas was relatively effective.

"During the three-year pandemic, in addition to introducing appropriate measures, restoring hope and confidence in the community was also a big challenge."

Hong Kong still managed to host economic summits and the Hong Kong Sevens, which helped the public restore confidence.

Lee said many things have not been done, and some of the government's long-term projects would last more than five years, but it was important to focus on current work.

"Not all things can be accomplished in the coming four years, but a lot can be done. Success may not be achieved by me, but I hope I can contribute to it."

He would not be disappointed if the public did not praise him for the success of those long-term projects, as a chief executive should not expect such rewards.

"Being the chief executive is a great mission, not simply performing one's own part. Although it is not easy to achieve perfection, it is of great responsibility since each decision affects more than seven million people - the whole of Hong Kong."

He also believed that decisions should not be made for personal interests. For example, it was against the mission of the chief executive if he refused to make controversial decisions to avoid being criticized.

Lee also said he felt guilty for having less time to accompany his wife, Janet Lee Lam Lai-sim, or not pay enough attention at home.

"I feel really grateful for her understanding. We have lived together for so long and we understand each other. I am very grateful for her support.

"The mission will be completed one day. I wish I could repay her better."