Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - Hong Kong's new leader, John Lee, has named a cabinet that includes some security personnel, describ...
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| Image: Reuters |
Berita 24 English - Hong Kong's new leader, John Lee, has named a cabinet that includes some security personnel, describing it as a "results-oriented" governing team that will usher in a new chapter following protracted pro-democracy protests in 2019.
Lee has described national security as his "basic task," as well as the necessity to restore Hong Kong's international stature and address a long-standing housing supply shortage that has contributed to the city's exorbitant housing prices.
The following are some specifics about a number of new senior officials.
INCOMING CHIEF EXECUTIVE JOHN LEE, 64,
Lee, a former top police officer who later became a government servant, was in charge of the city's security plans during the 2019 huge pro-democracy protests. In accordance with China's sovereign interests, he has promised to maintain a firm grip on the city under a national security law.
The US government has sanctioned Lee and several of his senior officials, including new Chief Secretary Eric Chan, security chief Chris Tang, and Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang.
On July 1, the new administration will take office.
The United States and other countries, notably the United Kingdom, have condemned the crackdown in Hong Kong, which has resulted in the imprisonment of many opposition figures, the closure of civil society organisations and media outlets, and the restriction of free speech.
The penalties, according to Lee, are acts of "bullying countries."
"Overall, security officers play a critical role in this cabinet, which is unusual in Hong Kong's political history," political analyst Sonny Lo said.
"It demonstrates the federal government's priority for national security in Hong Kong."
CHIEF SECRETARY ERIC CHAN, 63,
Chan is a valued link to Beijing and was the previous head of office for Hong Kong's outgoing leader Carrie Lam. Chan has close contacts to mainland officials, having served as an immigration director and subsequently as Lam's top aide. He is renowned as a skillful coordinator capable of bringing different parties together on complex matters. In 2020, the US government sanctioned Chan for undermining the former British colony's authority.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY PAUL CHAN, 67,
Chan is still employed in the position he has held since 2017. The reappointment of Chan, an experienced accountant who hasn't been sanctioned, was hailed by some in the banking sector.
"Having Paul Chan continue on alleviated a lot of anxieties," said Kher Sheng Lee of the Alternative Investment Management Association's Asia Pacific co-head.
"We're glad he's back, and the next three to four months will be a chance to reset and recast the conversation about Hong Kong's future."
SECRETARY OF JUSTICE PAUL LAM, 54,
Lam, an experienced commercial barrister and former chairman of the Bar Association, is widely likely to maintain his predecessor Teresa Cheng's aggressive prosecutorial strategy against opposition politicians, activists, and protestors.
"It's difficult to see Lam rocking the boat now that the national security trajectory has been defined... it's not his way," said one attorney who did not want to be identified.
Lam is not subject to sanctions and is expected to promote Hong Kong's legal system on a global scale, working for a leader who has consistently rejected international criticism of Hong Kong's rule of law since the passage of broad national security laws.
