'Keep momentum going' amid growth and order

Michael Shum

The national security law and electoral changes have restored order in Hong Kong laid the groundwork for a bounce back, says acting Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

Lee, the newly promoted chief secretary, said yesterday in celebrations marking the 24th handover anniversary that the economy has stopped shrinking and unemployment levels have dropped, but people should get vaccinated so that growth can continue.

Lee filled in for Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who was in Beijing for the Chinese Communist Party's 100th anniversary, marking the first time a Hong Kong leader was absent for official July 1 events in the city.

Lee said the central government has "supported the faithful implementation of one country, two systems for the past 24 years.

Beijing also "stayed true to its original aspirations" in implementing one country, two systems even after the attempts of "anti-China disruptors" to paralyze the government and seize power, he added.

The national security law "expressly provides that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security," Lee said, and so people continue to enjoy freedoms of speech, press, assembly and others.

"Facts show that as long as we fully and accurately implement the one country, two systems policy Hong Kong will be able to move forward steadily," Lee said. "With social and political stability restored, Hong Kong definitely has the conditions to rebound from the doldrums and create a brighter future."

Lee cited improvements in the local economic and employment situation, with real GDP ending six consecutive quarters of contraction and the unemployment rate dropping by 1.2 percentage points from the previous quarter. He urged citizens to get the jab to "keep the good momentum going."

Lee, alongside Executive Council convener Bernard Charnwut Chan, earlier attended the flag-raising ceremony for the handover.

Heavy police presence was seen in the vicinity of Wan Chai.

After the festivities, Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip Tak-kuen brushed off claims - emboldened by Lee's promotion from security chief - that Hong Kong has turned into a police state.

"There are principal officials who started their civil service career as administrative officers and as officers of the disciplinary forces," Nip said. "There are people from different backgrounds and experience within the government."

Separately, former Legislative Council president Jasper Tsang Yok-sing said students should learn more about the Chinese Communist Party as it plays a crucial role in the development of public policies.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com