CE 'confident' Legco Will Approve Restructuring Plan

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Tuesday that she’s confident her proposal to restructure the government will be endorsed by lawmakers before her term ends on June 30, so it can be implemented once her successor takes over.

Lam has proposed setting up a new bureau to oversee culture, sports and tourism, splitting the Transport and Housing Bureau into two, and turning the Home Affairs Bureau into one looking after youth and district affairs.

Speaking ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lam said the plan must be approved by Legco before the next CE takes office, or it would be hard for her successor to recruit his cabinet.

She said officials will hand over the reshuffle proposal to her successor's office after election day on Sunday, and be tabled to Legco after the new CE agrees to it.

"Work has to be completed under a very tight timetable, but I am confident that the current Legco – formed under the system of patriots administering Hong Kong – can finish the work," she said.

The sole candidate in the coming CE election, John Lee, has said that he is inclined to back the restructuring proposals, and speaking to reporters shortly after Lam’s comments, Lee said a final restructuring plan will be announced after discussions with the current administration.

Meanwhile, Lam said the Office of the Chief-Executive-elect has been set up to ensure a smooth transition to the new term of government.

Set to commence operation on Sunday, the office will, among other things, support the next CE in forming his governing team and preparing a policy plan based on his manifesto.

Director of Administration Daniel Cheng has been appointed the secretary-general of the office, which is housed in Immigration Tower in Wan Chai and will cease to operate after June 30.

Director-General of Trade and Industry Brian Lo has taken over as the new director of administration.