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QINGDAO TODAY
在线翻译:
szdaily -> China -> 
New initiatives announced in HK policy address
    2019-10-17  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

CHIEF Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Carrie Lam restarted delivery of the 2019 policy address through video yesterday noon.

The 2019 policy address, Lam’s third policy address since she was sworn in July 1, 2017, focused on four aspects of work, namely housing, land supply, improving people’s livelihood and economic development.

“Although we have not had enough time to prepare for this year’s policy address, we still manage to put forward over 220 new initiatives,” Lam said in the foreword of her speech.

Lam was scheduled to deliver the policy address at a LegCo meeting yesterday morning, but the meeting was adjourned after disruption by some opposition LegCo members.

“In the 22 years since Hong Kong returned to the motherland, ‘one country, two systems’ has proven to be the best system for ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong,” Lam said.

Lam pledged that the HKSAR will adhere to “one country, two systems” and safeguard the rights and freedoms protected by the Basic Law. “Any acts that advocate Hong Kong’s independence and threaten the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests will not be tolerated.”

Lam also stressed the rule of law in handling the current crisis.

“As the integral components of the rule of law, a law-abiding population, strict and impartial enforcement of the laws, independent prosecutorial power, and judicial independence must be respected by all and not be undermined,” Lam said.

As social unrest in Hong Kong entered its fifth month, escalating violent incidents spread chaos and fear, seriously disrupted people’s daily lives, and impacted a wide range of sectors and numerous businesses.

“I believe our society will agree that continued violence and spread of hatred would erode the core values of Hong Kong, disrupt social peace and undermine the excellent systems that took years of effort to build,” Lam said.

Lam announced a raft of short- and medium-term support measures to tackle the housing woes of Hong Kong, whose houses are among the least affordable in the world.

The measures, announced in the 2019 Policy Address, included providing 10,000 transitional housing units in the next three years, offering cash allowances, and assisting first-time home buyers, among others.

“Housing is the toughest livelihood issue facing Hong Kong society. It is also a source of public grievances. I have never taken this matter lightly,” Lam said in the address.

The HKSAR Government will also press ahead with youth hostel projects that cater to the short-term accommodation needs of young people, with two projects providing 1,760 units to be completed in the coming two years.

Cash allowances will be issued to low-income families neither living in public renting houses nor receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, according to Lam.

Public renting housing and the CSSA are pillar relief programs of the HKSAR Government targeting the group of poverty-stricken population. But there is a sizable cohort of low-income earners who are not qualified to receive such benefits. 

(Xinhua)

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