New Government 'focused On Goals' On First Work Day

Top officials on Monday arrived at the government headquarters for their first day of work, with some saying they would strive to achieve objectives set out by President Xi Jinping, and deliver on Chief Executive John Lee's campaign pledges.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing told reporters he met Lee for over two hours on Sunday to discuss a key speech delivered by President Xi after he inaugurated the new administration on Friday.

The president directed Lee's administration to enhance governance, strengthen the SAR’s development momentum, take solid steps to improve people's livelihoods, and uphold the city's harmony and stability.

Cheuk said during his meeting with the new CE, they discussed ways to achieve these targets.

"I will work hard in a responsible and daring manner with my colleagues in the politically-appointed team and the civil service," he said.

Meanwhile, the new Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Alice Mak, said her priority is to implement work set out in John Lee's election platform, including devising a blueprint for youth development and setting up care teams with a network of volunteers in all of the city's 18 districts.

She said she will meet with her colleagues today to come up with a comprehensive work plan.