New Ministers Deny Claims Of Bias, Inability

Three of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's new cabinet members were in defensive mode on their first full day in their jobs, with Caspar Tsui and Christopher Hui denying their DAB membership means they won't be impartial, and Alfred Sit dismissing concerns he'll be out of his depth as head of the Innovation and Technology Bureau.

Home Secretary Tsui said on Thursday that his political affiliation with the city's biggest pro-Beijing party will not affect his work in relation to district councils, which are now dominated by the pro-democracy camp.

Critics have raised concerns that given Tsui's pro-establishment background, he could be biased when it comes to allocating resources to the councils.

But in response, he said he doesn't see much difference between councillors of various political stances when it comes to their work at a district level.

"In terms of the district issues, I don't think really there's that much of a difference in terms of the political spectrum, whether you are a pan-democrat or pro-establishment," said Tsui, who has been promoted from under secretary for welfare.

Financial Services Secretary Christopher Hui also said his links to DAB would not affect how he connects with political parties from the opposition.

Hui said working with DAB has made him understand the pulse of Hong Kong society.

Meanwhile, Sit dismissed the idea that his previous role as director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department means he is ill-equipped to take over as Secretary for Innovation and Technology.

He said he believes the fact that he has worked for the government for more than 30 years gives him a deep understanding of how it operates.

"My strength, I suppose, is to understand the system in the government, so that we can give the opportunity for the people to make use of the good system in the government," he said.

"I am going to listen to the views of our practitioners in the innovation sector so they can tell us more what we can do."

Sit said his bureau will work harder to promote and commercialise new technology developed by local talent, and he will make use of the contacts he has made over the years.