We're feeling the happiest in 26 years

Hongkongers have been happier in the past 26 years than pre-handover, said Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, as he believes those who have left would return to the city when the economic development is good.

Speaking on a radio program yesterday, Chan said around 130,000 to 140,000 Hongkongers have emigrated in the past two years but the government will be more proactive with economic measures to attract talents.

He said a large number of people have returned to Hong Kong, without providing statistics.

Chan also said people will flow in if Hong Kong becomes a livable city with a good economy and political system.

He cited the numbers of over 10 million inbound visitors and 84,000 applications for the top talent pass in the first five months of this year as proof that Hong Kong is still attractive, saying that the city rose 13 places in the Global Liveability Index from last year to 61 this year because the current government "listens to public opinion".

Chan disagreed that restrictions during the pandemic have led to a loss of opportunities resulting in Hong Kong failing to catch up with other cities such as Macau.

Each government handled the pandemic differently and the SAR government valued the health of its citizens, he said.

Reviewing the past year, Chan described his work as "busy but constructive".

"The government played defensive because of the 2019 social unrest and Covid pandemic, to safeguard national security, Hong Kong's stability, public health and the economy. But now, the government has changed to play the offensive to attract enterprises and talents, so that Hong Kong can move upward and enhance the public's happiness."

He said 2019 was a special time as it reflected on the importance of national security. "The lack of national security work has led to external forces taking advantage of the situation and poisoning the minds of young people under the banner of freedom and democracy. Some civil servants have also failed to be politically neutral."

He said some systems were set up with good intentions, such as Legislative Council sessions allowing lawmakers to ask questions.

But there were those abusing the system and filibustering by asking a lot of questions with a view to blocking the passage of a bill, Chan added.

He said the society has returned to stability after the implementation of the national security law and it is time to examine whether there are inadequacies with the law that should be remedied to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

There is no contradiction between media coverage and the national security law, he said.

He said there is no problem in criticizing the government as the Basic Law clearly states that freedom of the press - not "fake news" - will be protected, saying the media need not worry about normal coverage.