CE Promises To Be More In Tune With Public

The Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, said on Monday that she would learn from the recent protests over surrounding the contentious extradition laws and would change her governance style, and listen more to the public, particularly young people when framing policy.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the 22nd anniversary of the SAR's establishment, she pledged a more open and inclusive government that was more in tune with public sentiment.

Earlier officials and guests watched the annual flag-raising event on screens indoors instead of in the Golden Bauhinia Square, after protesters blocked roads leading to the Convention centre in Wan Chai, forcing many guests to travel to the venue by ferry.

The Chief Executive was in the spotlight at her first public event in almost two weeks, with the public unhappy over the government's now-stalled attempts to push through its extradition legislation.

Opponents of the legislation, which would have allowed extradition to the mainland, among other jurisdictions say they don't trust the mainland legal system.

At the start of Lam's speech, she was interrupted by Democratic Party lawmaker Helena Wong who called for her to resign and to scrap the extradition bill entirely. Wong was eventually escorted away. The government suspended the legislation last month, but has not withdrawn it completely.

Lam says the conflict resulting from the extradition bill controversy has made her realise that she needs an accurate grasp of public sentiment, and to be more open and to listen.

She said she would learn from the experience and would make sure her governance truly reflected what the public felt and wanted.

Lam said she would spend more time meeting people from different sectors and backgrounds, and talking to young people. Her administration would strengthen ties with legislators so it can hear from different sectors when making policy.

The Chief Executive said her government would work hard to regain the public's confidence and let Hong Kong start over.

Meanwhile, protest activity is expected for most of the day.

The Civil Human Rights Front is expecting the biggest turnout for years at its traditional July 1 march. Marchers will gather in Victoria Park before heading to the Legco complex.