Govt Restructuring Should Come Swiftly: Starry Lee

DAB chairwoman Starry Lee said on Monday that she hopes the government can work quickly on a restructuring that is expected to see the creation of new bureaus to deal with housing problems and cultural development.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam hinted over the weekend at a government facelift, saying there is a consensus on setting up a bureau focusing on cultural issues, as well as a need to strengthen coordination on land and housing matters.

Reports said the CE will announce a study on the issue in her policy address next month, with a concrete proposal expected by early next year.

Lee, who heads the biggest party in Legco, told RTHK that she wants the changes finished by the time a new administration takes office next summer.

"Based on the past experience, it can be done after the CE election and before the new CE takes up his or her term, so to make the new administration have the latest structure to carry out their work," she said.

The DAB has been among those calling for a government restructure, and Lee said such changes would help speed up the government's work.

"I think the government should put more emphasis on the housing and land issue because that is one of the structural issues that we have not successfully dealt with. Therefore, we have suggested to put land planning and housing into one bureau ... we believe that with that setting, it helps the government to speed up the development of land and also building of housing."

Lee said a new bureau focusing on cultural development would be in line with plans for Hong Kong set out under Beijing's 14th five-year plan.

"We have that potential to further develop our cultural, sports and tourist industries. And of course it is not only about industry. We want Hong Kong to act as a centre to deliver good China stories," she added.