Let's Work Together On Housing, Michael Wong Urges

The Development Secretary, Michael Wong, on Sunday called on members of the public to set aside their differences over government initiatives to tackle the city's land shortage, and urging them to work together.

Wong also revealed during a radio programme that he's had disagreements with two bureau heads with whom he works closely - the Housing Secretary, Frank Chan, and the Environment Secretary, Wong Kam-sing.

However, he said these could be overcome, and they would sort out their differences and become "buddies" again.

Speaking after the programme, Wong reiterated the government's commitment to solving the city's housing woes:

"It's true that in the very short term there isn't any magic wand that we can simply wave and then resolve the land shortage problem. For the short to medium term, if you take a slightly longer time frame, then there are a lot of initiatives that we are pursuing," Wong said, citing the land sharing scheme as one example.