'It's A New Approach To Tackle Deep-seated Problems'

The head of John Lee's Chief Executive campaign office, Tam Yiu-chung, said when the former chief secretary talks about results-oriented governance, he's looking at new ways to resolve Hong Kong's deep-seated problems.

The emphasis on results was one of Lee's pledges when he formally announced his bid for the top job on Saturday.

Tam, who's also Hong Kong's sole delegate to the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said on Sunday that Lee will try to balance rules and goals, especially for major issues such as healthcare and housing.

"For example, housing... it's been a longstanding problem, we can't tackle it because there are lengthy process for [finding] land and construction. Can we review this? The procedures are formulated by the civil service structure, they're not heavenly laws," Tam said, adding that laws can be changed after the legislature's approval.

He also said the campaign team may arrange community visits for the chief executive hopeful if social distancing rules are relaxed from April 21 as planned.

Lawmakers Jeffrey Lam and Starry Lee said they agree with the results-oriented approach.

Lam said one of the important issues facing the incoming government is to try and keep talents in Hong Kong and attract others to come.

"I hope people coming in and going out of Hong Kong will be relaxed [soon], because we are losing or starting to lose talents, new and old. They're moving away to Singapore, our biggest competitor," he said.

The Business and Professionals Alliance lawmaker noted one problem is that their children have been unable to go to school here.

He also described John Lee as an analytical person who pays attention to detail, and is willing to listen to views from the business sector.

DAB chairwoman Starry Lee, meanwhile, said if the former number two official is to become the next Hong Kong leader, he needs to get talent from all walks of life and different political parties to join his governing team.

Speaking on a radio programme, she said if those from the disciplined forces become more involved with governance, that bodes well for defending national security and dealing with external forces.

Starry Lee also said job creation and measures to help struggling companies are among the pressing issues for the incoming government.