行政長官李家超先生今天(19日)發布2022年施政報告,也是本屆政府任內首份施政報告,口號為「為市民謀幸福,為香港謀發展」,提出八個部分及近一百五十個分段,涉及經濟發展及民生措施。新民黨認為報告內容非常豐富全面及高質量,對此高度評價,也感謝行政長官採納本黨的多項建議。
施政報告內容豐富 全面 高質量
行政會議召集人、新民黨主席暨立法會議員葉劉淑儀女士表示:「今天很高興,新民黨見到行政長官發表了一份內容非常豐富、很全面,及高質量的施政報告。首先該報告回應了國家主席在七一發表重要講話時對香港的期望,四個必須與四個希望,強調香港會在一國兩制之下,繼續發揮優勢。」
回應社會訴求
「第二,行政長官也回應了社會上各方面的訴求,包括土地房屋、醫療、安老、青年發展與教育等等。」
措施具開創性
「第三,施政報告很多建議也是開創性的,特別是在開端部分提到的提高治理水平體系與完善『治理體系』,及強化管理功能,包括公務員的管理,都是很有前瞻性。」
「我們也很高興行政長官在北部大都會發展方面,接納我們很多的意見,包括未來會成立『香港投資管理有限公司』,是非常有開創性與突破性,有助政府將來為各項基建發展計劃進行融資。總的來說,我們對最新的施政報告表示高度評價。」
葉太也感謝行政長官採納新民黨的建議,包括北部大都會的發展,吸引優才或專才方面,讓合資格人士可獲寬免置業印花稅。離島訪問九個點,觀察後,大嶼山有很多發展空間,而在施政報告第92段提及,政府「正積極研究發展大嶼山南部約1,000公頃『綠化地帶』土地作生態旅遊或康樂用途」,我們對此表示歡迎。
主動招攬人才 推動經濟動力
新民黨常務副主席暨立法會議員黎棟國先生稱:「我們非常高興行政長官在這次施政報告之中,特別在招攬人才方面著墨很多,也回應了社會上相對主流的意見,去真正有效地『搶人才』。以往特首被動地制定政策,看到哪些行業老闆缺乏人才,才由政府制定相關政策去配合。本屆政府的態度已完全改變,除了有新的政策,而且更會成立『人才服務窗口』,及『引進重點企業辦公室』等,主動出擊招攬人才。」
黎棟國議員認為,香港正面對新的經濟轉型,需要有新的融資與人才。是次施政報告除了招募人才,也有留住人才的措施,他非常高興特首提出一站式服務,使到人才來到香港之後,可以穩定下來,在香港有所發展,以香港為家,最終成為香港永久性居民,對推動未來經濟新引擎非常重要。
推動基層醫療 方向正確
黎棟國議員稱醫療方面,施政報告有新猷,「行政長官提出改變現有重救治的方針,轉到基層醫療方面,照顧市民的長遠健康需要,這可以大大減低前線公立醫院與專科門診的輪候時間,整體而言可應對因人口老化而對醫療需求增加的壓力,走出正確的方向。」
融入國家發展大局
新民黨副主席暨立法會議員容海恩女士表示:「這次的施政報告有願景、有規劃,也有具體可行措施。以往的施政報告比較則重願景或方向性,這次更有具體執行措施,也有清晰的執行時間表,包括建屋期時間縮短,加快程序的百分比等,而每部分也有執行的時間表與路線圖,令市民有信心,也放心,了解可如何跟從施政報告去發展。」
「有關融入國家發展大局,施政報告也有大篇幅提及北部大都會及一國兩制的優勢,報告開端部分也有提及《憲法》對香港的重要性,未來政府會加強宣傳《憲法》,由政務司司長領導的『基本法推廣督導委員會』,將改名為『憲法和基本法推廣督導委員會』,顯示重視加強對『一國』的宣傳。希望藉施政報告可以突顯到一國兩制的優勢,讓香港做到聯通世界的獨特角色。」
「在大灣區建設方面,政府將成立『融入國家發展大局督導組』,由行政長官及三位司長分別擔任組長及副組長。我目前在立法會擔任『促進粵港澳大灣區發展事宜小組委員會』主席,見到大灣區發展是廣大的範疇,涉及文化、創科、安老與教育等多方面。因此看到施政報告提到香港背靠祖國,在大灣區發展的優勢,香港與內地配合,做好各項建設,尤其是北部大都會的發展,並與深圳各口岸連接,包括沙頭角或其他口岸,必須全面發展,發揮香港的優勢。」
「而在北部大都會,除了土地運用,也會設商業及悠閒區,也是過去新民黨一直也有倡議的完善規劃。粵港澳大灣區有國家戰略,在七一慶典,國家主席對香港的重要講話,提及青年的『四業』,令香港積極融入國家發展大局,讓香港鞏固八大中心的角色及國際地位,很高興見到特首在施政報告提及讓香港在大灣區發展給予法律上或其他措施的支援。希望未來除了專業人士或其他行業人士,也可加快實現及抓緊施政報告給予香港各界的機遇。」容海恩議員總結。
支持公務員改革
立法會議員李梓敬先生認為,是次施政報告非常實際有內涵。對於採納新民黨的建議,包括李議員在立法會提出改革公務員制度的動議並獲通過,回應他的建議,提出更新公務員守則、強化賞罰制度、加強培訓、優化動員機制,表示歡迎。李議員估計行政長官看到疫情「第五波」時,應對疫情期間公務員行動的不足,讓日後再次發生大規模疫情時,可加強動員公務員服務的機制。
在土地房屋方面,李議員認為早前國家領導人,包括國家主席習近平先生、夏寶龍主任或駱惠寧主任,對於解決香港房屋問題都有很大期望。他認為施政報告,在公屋輪候時間需要「封頂」,及公屋面積「封底」的措施,顯示特區政府對於解決香港的房屋問題非常有決心。具體措施是發展「簡約公屋」的概念,認為是突破性的思維,除了可幫助居住在「劏房」的市民早日「上樓」,也可保留傳統公屋市民輪候的機制。希望措施可讓眾多基層市民有理想居所。
就私人房屋方面,對於政府降低強拍門檻,他認為是突破性的措施,五十至七十年樓齡舊樓,強拍門檻降至百分之七十;七十年以上樓齡舊樓,門檻降至百分之六十,措施整體可加快土地供應,新民黨對措施表示支持。但李議員指出要留意是否會給予發展商太多權力,議價能力太強,是否影響業主的利益,政府要視乎措施可怎樣有效處理可能涉及的紛爭。
支持鐵路建設
交通方面,施政報告提出將推動多項大型基建,包括新民黨曾提出開通新南北幹道的「沙田繞道」,連接大埔及西九龍,為新界東居民提供更快捷途徑前往市區,並紓緩吐露港公路的交通壓力,未來新民黨會繼續推動各項基建及民生設施的落實。
全面關顧老中青 打造宜居城市
立法會議員陳家珮女士表示,這次施政報告做到習主席在二十大報告所講的「以人民為中心」。她認為最新施政報告非常創新及人性化,照顧社會的老、中、青人士。長者方面,有預防性的基層醫療;中醫藥發展,及加大醫療券的使用範圍,這些都是長者非常需要的服務。
施政報告也有非常大的篇幅,提到青年的發展機遇,包括工作及大灣區融合等。至於兒童或幼童,陳家珮議員關心香港的虐兒問題,因人手及專業化不足,在最新施政報告特首也有提出「保護兒童」的措施,加強巡查及舉報等,避免虐待事件再發生。至於未來香港將加強發展科技,政府將加強「STEAM教育」,在中小學大力推動,陳議員對此表示高興。
陳家珮議員對施政報告提出關注市民精神健康,增加社區支援,另外,「婦女事務委員會」年度撥款將由400萬元增加至1,000萬元,可望增加婦女勞動力。她也樂見施政報告積極發展香港為宜居城市,邁向碳中和,及政府吸納地區意見,發展港鐵南港島延線,及在南區設地區關愛隊試點,地區會努力配合政府各項措施。
New People’s Party’s Response to Policy Address 2022
Chief Executive Mr. John Lee Ka-chiu delivered his maiden Policy Address on October 19th. With the slogan “Charting a Brighter Tomorrow for Hong Kong”, the Policy Address contains eight sections and nearly 150 subsections discussing a range of topics concerning economic development and initiatives to improve livelihood. New People’s Party praises the Policy Address as comprehensive and of high quality, and expresses our thanks to the Chief Executive for adopting many of the Party’s recommendations.
Policy Address’ Comprehensiveness and High Quality
Convenor of the Non-Official Members of the Executive Council, New People’s Party Chair, and Legislative Councillor Hon. Mrs. Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee has made the following response:
“The New People’s Party is pleased to hear the Chief Executive’s comprehensive and high-quality Policy Address. Firstly, the address responded to President Xi Jinping’s address at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland, where he discussed the four ‘expectations’ and four ‘hopes’ for Hong Kong. Under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, Hong Kong is able to fully display and utilise our unique advantages.”
Responding to Public Demands
“Secondly, the Chief Executive addressed various needs and demands expressed by our society, including land and housing, healthcare, elderly care, youth development, education, and more.”
Ground-breaking Policies
“Furthermore, many of the recommendations in the Policy Address are ground-breaking. In particular, the Policy Address mentions upfront an enhancement of governance and management, within the civil service. All of the suggested measures are visionary.”
“We are delighted that Mr. Lee adopted many of our recommendations regarding the development of the Northern Metropolis. The establishment of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited is highly visionary and ground-breaking, which I believe can allow the government to finance a range of infrastructural developments in the future. To conclude, we highly commend this year’s Policy Address.”
Mrs. Ip is also appreciative of the Chief Executive’s decision to adopt various recommendations proposed by New People’s Party, including development of the Northern Metropolis, strategies to actively pursue and recruit talented individuals, and allowing eligible overseas and mainland talents to apply for a refund of the Buyer's Stamp Duty and the New Residential Stamp Duty paid for the first residential property purchased. After visiting nine different locations in the Islands District, Mrs. Ip is convinced that there is potential for development in Lantau Island. We welcome the proposal in subsection 92 of the Policy Address that the government is “actively studying the development of about 1,000 hectares of the ‘Green Belt’ sites in the southern part of Lantau for eco‑tourism or recreation uses”.
Proactively Trawling for Talent & Giving Impetus to the Economy
Executive Vice Chair, Legislative Councillor Hon. Mr. Lai Tung-kwok comments: “We are glad the Chief Executive made significant progress in the Policy Address in terms of devising measures to attract talents to Hong Kong, while simultaneously addressing some of the more mainstream opinions many Hong Kong citizens have regarding how this city can truly trawl for more talent. Former Chief Executives approach policy passively, only responding to the demand when there is acute shortage. Contrastingly, the current administration takes a distinctively different attitude. In addition to new policies, the establishment of the Talents Service Unit and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) is an active and assertive approach in recruiting global talent.”
Mr. Lai asserts that Hong Kong is in need of an economic transformation that requires new talent and investment. The Policy Address not only provides detail on how to trawl for talent, but just as importantly, on how to retain talent. He is glad the Chief Executive plans on establishing a one-stop unit, providing necessary support to talents. Providing incentives for talents to live and work in Hong Kong is crucial for Hong Kong’s economy.
Promoting Primary Healthcare
In regards to healthcare, Mr. Lai states: “We are delighted that Mr. Lee is prioritising primary healthcare to address the long-term medical needs of the Hong Kong population. This can significantly reduce the waiting time for public hospital and specialist medical services. This is certainly the right decision to make that can benefit an increasingly ageing population.”
Integration into National Development
Vice Chair, Legislative Councillor Hon. Ms. Eunice Yung Hoi-yan expresses the following: “This year’s Policy Address is not merely visionary and structured, it also differs from Policy Addresses of the past, as there is emphasis on pragmatism. We now have clear timetables for when each policy will be implemented, and I believe a clear roadmap can reassure the people of Hong Kong in terms of what lies ahead.”
“This Policy Address extensively discusses how Hong Kong can leverage the advantages of ‘One Country, Two Systems’. The Chief Executive stresses the importance of promoting the Constitution and the Basic Law. The renaming of the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee to the Constitution and the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee is indicative of the government’s effort to promote the concept of ‘One Country’. I hope that this Policy Address can exemplify the endless opportunities provided by ‘One Country, Two Systems’ and the unique advantages that Hong Kong possesses in connecting with the world.”
“Regarding the development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the government will establish a Steering Group on Integration into National Development that will be chaired by the Chief Executive, with three Secretaries of Departments as deputies. As the Chair of the Subcommittee on Promoting Development of the GBA, I notice that the development of the GBA involves a wide range of issues, including cultural, innovation and technology, elderly care, education and many more aspects. Hence, the development of GBA will require the strong support of the Motherland. Hong Kong must closely cooperate with the mainland in various construction projects, particularly in the development of the Northern Metropolis.”
Ms. Yung concludes by saying: “In respect of the Northern Metropolis, the inclusion of commercial and leisure areas is a recommendation made by New People’s Party in the past. President Xi mentioned his hope for Hong Kong to help young people overcome difficulties in education, employment, business start-up, and home purchase. Hong Kong can now more actively integrate into national development while solidifying our status as an international business hub. We are pleased to see Mr. Lee provide legal and other relevant support to the development of GBA, and we hope that a wider population can enjoy the privileges and opportunities presented in this Policy Address.”
Supporting Reforms for the Civil Service
Legislative Councillor Hon. Mr. Dominic Lee Tsz-king calls the Policy Address practical and insightful. He is delighted that the address accepted New People’s Party’s recommendations, including his motion on reforming the civil service system that was ultimately passed. In addition to that, the Address proposed an update to the Civil Service Code, strengthening of the reward and punishment system, enhancing of both civil servant training as well as the existing mobilisation protocol, all of which are positively received by our Party. He believes reformation of the civil service system can allow the government to promptly and effectively manage future epidemics or pandemics.
In regard to land and housing, he states that state leaders, namely President Xi Jinping, Director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Xia Baolong, and Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Luo Huining, all had high expectations for Hong Kong to resolve its housing issues. He thinks the Policy Address’ targets of capping the waiting time for public rental housing (PRH) as well as setting a minimum size for newly-built flats are a testament to the government’s determination in fixing Hong Kong’s housing problems. The introduction of Light Public Housing is a ground-breaking concept, targeted at expediting the move into public housing for families living in subdivided units while maintaining the traditional PRH waiting system. He sincerely hopes that such policies can provide grassroots with an improved living condition.
Another creative policy, according to Hon. Mr. Dominic Lee, is the lowering of the compulsory sale application threshold for private buildings - the threshold for buildings aged 50 to 70 lowered to 70%, whereas threshold will be set at 60% for buildings older than 70 years. While New People’s Party supports this policy as it should effectively compress the time required for land production, he expressed concerns over whether developers will be given excessive bargaining power, which could undermine the interests of flat owners. The government should review how such possible disputes can be effectively managed.
Supporting Railway Projects
The Policy Address announces a number of transport infrastructure projects, including the Shatin bypass that connects Tai Po and Kowloon West - a recommendation made by New People’s Party. This will provide an alternative route connecting New Territories East to the urban areas, while simultaneously alleviating traffic pressure on Tolo Highway. New People’s Party will continue to push for more infrastructure projects that can benefit grassroots and improve livelihoods.
Comprehensive Care for People of All Ages, Building A Liveable City
Legislative Councillor Hon. Ms. Judy Chan Kapui commented that this year’s Policy Address fulfilled President Xi’s “people-centred” philosophy that he spoke of during his 20th National Congress address. Ms. Chan finds the Policy Address both innovative and effective in caring for people of all ages. The proposed prevention-focused primary healthcare system for an ageing population, enhancement in the role of Chinese medicine, and the expansion of medical voucher coverage are all policies that can tremendously benefit the elderly.
The Address also extensively discusses youth development, specifically working opportunities and entrepreneurial support for the youth in GBA. Furthermore, Ms. Chan is particularly concerned about child abuse cases in Hong Kong. To address shortfalls in manpower shortage and lack of professional accreditation, the Address proposes policies for child protection, especially strengthening of law-enforcing inspections in a view to preventing similar events from recurring. Ms. Chan is pleased to see increased efforts to promote STEAM education at primary and secondary school levels.
In addition, Ms. Chan is glad the Policy Address is ramping up efforts to promote mental health awareness, as well as increasing funding for the Women’s Commission from $4 million to $10 million per annum. The government’s further efforts in developing Hong Kong into a liveable city, moving towards carbon neutrality, and setting up Care Teams in the Southern District should be met with close coordination with local districts to ensure seamless and effective deliverance.