HONG KONG -- Hong Kong Chief Executive-elect Leung Chun-ying and his newly appointed governing team made debut on Thursday, vowing to improve people's livelihood, seek changes while preserving stability of the city in the coming five years.
"It is our common wish to devote ourselves to changing the prolonged sluggishness of our economic and social development," said Leung, while meeting press with principle officials of the fourth-term government, which had been appointed by the central government earlier in the day.
Leung hoped that in five years' time they will have seen continuous improvement in people's quality of life and have a more harmonious society. "Our city will be more charming than ever and everyone in our community, including the new generation, will see hope and embrace a new vision."
Speaking of his newly formed team, Leung said it comprises existing directors of bureaux, who are "very experienced" and made tremendous contributions over the past five years or more, and new faces "full of enthusiasm and vision".
"It gives me great pleasure to have them in my leadership team, " he said.
Apart from principal officials, Leung also saw civil servants as his "key partners."
"Hong Kong has an excellent civil service known for integrity and efficiency. For many years, the civil service has been delivering services to the public diligently and dedicatedly," Leung said.
Leung said his governing team and he will continue to cooperate fully with civil servants. "I will ensure that the civil service system will remain intact and the civil service stable."
Leung also believed solidarity is the prerequisite for effective policy implementation and it is vital to narrow the distance between people from different districts, strata and sectors.
"To this end, we will strive to build a people-oriented government, listen to the views of the people, amass social wisdom and strengthen social cohesion."
After the swearing in on July 1, Leung and his team will embark on territory-wide district visits, meeting the public to understand their needs and listen to their views.
"In the next five years, we will make prudent adjustments and seek changes while maintaining stability. We will safeguard the core values that we have treasured for years, resolve deep-seated conflicts, improve the livelihood of our people and work towards the harmony and stability of our society," he said.
Acknowledging that the road ahead is bound to be rough, Leung said he is still confident that "my team and I will overcome all difficulties and prove our commitment to Hong Kong through our deeds."
