Legco Wraps Up Debate On Xi Jinping's Speech

Lawmakers on Thursday completed a six-hour debate about implementing the instructions President Xi Jinping gave in an address during his visit to Hong Kong earlier this month.

DAB lawmaker Starry Lee, who moved the motion to discuss the speech, said she hopes the administration will enhance communication with legislators, adding that Legco is duty-bound to unite society in order to put the state leader's speech into practice.

"We have the duty to help the government and the community to fully implement the address of President Xi Jinping, I'm sure all members of this council will bear in mind the 'four musts' and the 'four expectations' put forward by President Xi," she said.

Xi earlier said Hong Kong must fulfil four requirements, including the comprehensive and accurate implementation of One Country, Two Systems, and ensuring the central government's comprehensive jurisdiction over Hong Kong and the SAR's high degree of autonomy.

He also expressed hopes that the administration will improve governance and resolve difficulties in people’s lives, among other things.

Meanwhile, Business and Professionals Alliance legislator Kenneth Lau said Xi expressed his care for local youth in his speech, with the lawmaker calling on the SAR authorities to step up their work with young people.

"President Xi pointed out that if young people prosper, then Hong Kong will prosper... and also Hong Kong will have a bright future only when its young people have good career prospects, so I believe the SAR government needs to do more on youth affairs," Lau said.

He also urged the government to beef up national education for young people so they have correct values.

In response, Chief Secretary Eric Chan said the administration will strive to implement the state leader's directives.

The official said the address of President Xi carries great significance for Hong Kong, saying it affirms the successful practice of One Country, Two Systems in the past 25 years, and provides important pointers for the SAR government.