Alluding to the adage “a year is a long time in politics”, Lee deflected the question of extending his tenure for another five years and focused instead on what he saw as ensuring continuity in governance. He was “very positive” on the future of Hong Kong’s economic development, he added.
“One year is a long period for a lot of things to be achieved … So a lot of these things can happen in one year,” Lee said, pointing to policy roll-outs under his watch, including the decision to allow stock market trading during typhoons and the implementation of time-varying tolls at three harbour crossings.
Chief Executive John Lee: ‘Much can be done in a year’ as final year of term approaches
Reflecting on the past four years of governing a special administrative region, he said: “Being the chief executive is a mission that you should be selfless to and devote everything you can to the overall good of Hong Kong … Hong Kong’s interest takes priority over my personal interests.”