Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee delivered his third Policy Address on Wednesday (16th), titled "Benefiting People's Livelihoods and Building the Future." However, throughout his eloquent two-and-a-half-minute speech, not a single word addressed the plight of workers in the current economic downturn. This is understandable, as Lee sees Hong Kong as having secured national security, and the central government's focus on transitioning from governance to prosperity, with a bright future ahead. Naturally, he cannot tolerate the reality of Hong Kong's economic difficulties. Consequently, the economic downturn is being labeled "economic transformation," while store closures, sluggish markets, and worsening unemployment are all merely "technical adjustments." Hong Kong has no problems at all, and the government bears no responsibility. Under this focus on transitioning from governance to prosperity, the gap between Hong Kong citizens and the SAR government's governance is bound to remain unbridgeable.
Many residents were left amused and perplexed when hearing John Lee's talk about funding Belt and Road students to study in Hong Kong, requiring taxi drivers to learn Arabic, and attracting more Middle Eastern tourists. It was as if they were listening to an incomprehensible alien language. To be frank, these statements weren't meant for Hong Kong people, but rather to appease the central government and demonstrate how Hong Kong is fully integrated into China's grand strategy of outward development. This distorted, lacking-of-subjectivity approach has led to Hong Kong governance becoming increasingly detached from public sentiment, ignoring the long-term needs of Hong Kong society and leading to inconsistencies and fragmentation.
