Parties, Business Groups Cheer John Lee's Win

Political parties and business groups on Sunday welcomed John Lee’s election as Hong Kong’s next chief executive, and quickly urged him to deliver on his campaign promises to help the SAR enter a new chapter by leading Hong Kong out of the Covid pandemic and its devastating effects on the local economy.

The chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Peter Wong, said in a statement that the business group has “every confidence in John Lee’s ability to lead Hong Kong during this challenging time and navigate the way to a prosperous and secure future.”

The chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Sunny Chai, said he’s hopeful that the new leader will attract capable people to join his cabinet, so they can work to open up the border.

“Hopefully, Mr Lee will further consider border relaxation with the mainland and overseas at an opportune time so that Hong Kong will continue to grow and prosper as an international financial centre and a key travelling hub,” Chai said.

The catering sector – which was hard hit by the government’s anti-epidemic measures – said it’s banking on Lee to deliver on his promises of a results-driven administration.

Simon Wong, the president of the Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said he believes the CE-designate won’t let them down.

“We expect him to help Hong Kong’s economy, especially to help the business which has been deeply affected by the pandemic,” he said. “And I believe that the new administration is able to do that.”

Medical sector lawmaker David Lam said the new government’s ability to keep Covid-19 infections in Hong Kong under control will require the more flexible and efficient government that Lee has promised.

“The most difficult challenge today is to get everyone vaccinated – not only the first dose, but the second and the third dose,” he noted. “This requires a lot of coordination, not only in the Health Bureau, but also among different bureaus and different civil servants and the community by and large, and I hope he can really live up to that.”

Many political parties also cheered Lee’s election win, noting that he had taken on board many of their suggestions as part of his platform.

DAB chairwoman Starry Lee said she and her party are hoping that Lee will provide decisive leadership to lead Hong Kong’s recovery from the pandemic.

“I think most of the Hong Kong people will respect the election result today and all people will be looking forward for a new chapter of Hong Kong because we have experienced a lot over the past years,” she said.

“We hope that John can lead Hong Kong especially to successfully fight against the pandemic so that we can resume our normal lives.”

The Liberal Party said it looks forward to Lee leading the new administration to revive the economy and reopen the border, as it resolves the deep-rooted problems afflicting Hong Kong.

The Business and Professionals Alliance said it’s hoping Lee will go full speed ahead on plans to develop a northern metropolis next to the border while controlling the Covid epidemic.

The Federation of Trade Unions said the 1,416 votes Lee received from the Election Committee shows the high level of support for his governing philosophy. It says it hopes the incoming leader will continue to listen to a range of opinions from the people, and introduce more concrete measures to help grassroots workers.