Editorial | As John Lee enters his second year in office, more daunting tasks lie ahead

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu seemed pleased with his accomplishments when interviewed by the media on the first anniversary of his term in office. To some Hongkongers and observers, his performance might even be considered better than expected – having weathered the Covid-19 pandemic and embarked on a series of much-needed programmes to rebuild the city. But while there is hope for Lee to achieve even more in the coming years, the challenges arising from the local and global environment are also making his job that much more difficult.

Lee’s first year in office is not just characterised by a return to normality after three years of isolation because of the pandemic. Riding on a relatively good start last summer, he reopened the borders early this year, widened the talent recruitment scheme and launched a key housing initiative – the Light Public Housing programme to speed up the allocation of flats for those most in need. But the labour importation plan also sparked disputes, as did the proposed housing project at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, which could snowball into confrontations between the rich and poor if not handled well.

There are also concerns over the administration’s tight grip on the political front. The plan to reduce elected district council seats, which Lee says is part of a wider reform to enhance district administration, is seen by some as a setback to democracy. Concerns over the perceived erosion of freedoms under the Beijing-imposed national security law also remain. The pledge to further legislate against other security threats under Basic Law Article 23 no later than next year is likely to fuel greater tension in society.

All these are making Lee’s job all the more challenging. His promise of tangible results will continue to raise expectations, with more people questioning how they are to benefit specifically from his policies and measures. The lack of political opposition in a “patriot-only” establishment means there are fewer obstacles to governance and, indeed, room for excuses. Even though Lee’s term still has four years to run, growing impatience with a raft of social woes means there will be greater pressure for him to deliver. Unless trust is restored and support widened, the political divide and “soft resistance” will hold back development.

The problem of ‘soft resistance’