Tsang’s Policy Address (I) - 13 Oct, 2005

The Past is the Future (I)
… Tsang’s plans to provide “strong governance”

Dear Subscribers and Friends

The long awaited policy address from Donald Tsang tells us he believes future success lies in doing things in the way they were done in the past, and that his path is “built on experience”. Is the Future the Past?

This Newsletter deals with DT’s plans on governance. We will examine other aspects of his address in other newsletters.


A. Tsang’s choice of words and logic …

1. Being “strong”: The title of his address is “Strong Governance for the People”; and the section spelling out his governing vision is entitled “Vision of Strong Governance”.

2. What does he mean?: DT said “strong governance” means a government that operates in accordance with the law!

3. Anything else?: DT also said “strong government” is a prerequisite for econonmic development and a harmonious society.

4. His leadership: DT said: “To me, a strong government does not work behind closed doors … A government that operates this way is often characterised as having a clear direction, consistency in policy making, forceful and decisive leadership that is efficient and effective”.

B. Politics, politics and more politics …

1. I,Donald: DT said political leadership is vital and he is responsible for Hong Kong’s political leadership.

2. Tung reversal: The chief secretary and financial secretary are now charged with implementing government pledges so DT said he could focus on political work as super lobbyist. The CS’s role becomes more important again after DT’s predecessor (CH Tung) downgraded it, which was done to sideline the former CS Anson Chan.

3. End of ministerial system?: Tung created a ministerial system in 2002. Ministers reported directly to him rather than to the CS. DT has now made ministers reporting to the CS and FS. Ministers have also been kicked off the Executive Council (ExCo) except for the CS, FS and secretary for justice. The new ExCo will look like the pre-1997 body with the vast majority of members being part-time appointees.

4. Giant body of 100: The lacklustre Commission for Strategic Development under Tung will be greatly expanded to have 100 warm bodies, supposedly becoming DT’s most important advisory body although no announcement has been made yet on how it will work.

C. Observations

1. Improve language: DT needs better wordsmiths. He could just say: “My government will pursue good governance practices. We will be open and transparent in the way we make decisions, we will state our policy directions and goals clearly, and we will be consistent in our policies”. But is the awkwardness in fact a sign of something else?

2. Tough and pushy?: The repeated emphasis on “strong” may be a sign a DT will be a highly combative leader who thinks the government policies are clear and consistent and what it needs is for him to show leadership by pushing them through.

3. Political competition: The political parties will have their hands full to compete with DT who will look to out manoeuvre them as well as lobby the media hard to show the people support his policies and that there is great harmony among the people.

CHRISTINE LOH
Civic Exchange - HK’s independent think tank
For other publications: www.civic-exchange.org