Stand shoulder to shoulder with CE
Updated: 2013-01-17 06:02
By Chan Wai-keung(HK Edition)
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Having formulated a comprehensive framework on a wide range of livelihood issues, Chief Executive CY Leung's maiden policy address seems to have been at once visionary and pragmatic, cutting across almost all sides of the social spectrum.
In touching on so many social ills, it is equally admirable for Leung's policy address to highlight his strategies for housing and land supply, the most pressing issue in the eyes of Hong Kong people. Having profound sympathy for the underprivileged residing in tiny, subdivided flats or cubicle, Leung once again shows his true grit to lead them out of the housing predicaments at any cost.
To be sure, Leung's policy address, in contrast to those of the previous administration, has taken many bold and decisive steps to tackle many longstanding and entrenched issues in Hong Kong. These daring moves include the offer of over 22,000 Public Rental Housing flats per year, conversion of Global International Credit (GIC) and other government sites to housing development, change of 13 sites in green belt areas to residential use, large-scale new development projects in the New Territories (NT) to increase land supply, allocation of HK$10 billion as subsidies to phase our polluting diesel commercial vehicles, delegation of administrative work and responsibilities to district councils. More commendable are other innovative ideas proposed by the address, such as the pilot scheme on community care service voucher for the elderly, and rock cavern and underground space development.
Yet, it is naive and unrealistic to expect that there is a silver bullet or quick panacea that will solve all the thorny problems of Hong Kong. As the gist of the policy address has stated: " The deep-seated problems of Hong Kong cannot be solved overnight. But, we need to take the first step to deal with them...The government is determined to deliver results. We must act with one heart and one vision to tackle these problems."
While Leung has mapped out some well-thought out strategies for long-term challenges, the next daunting task facing his administration is whether they can resolve the conflicts between groups of vested interests involved with government plans. For example, in considering whether a site should be developed, the government of course will accommodate conflicting views and strive to balance different interests. But, in reality, it is impossible to reach a full consensus over any issues in any pluralistic society. Faced with the fierce opposition from some self-serving but powerful groups, will the government really have "the courage and resolve to make hard choices and decisions" in the best interest of the whole community as CY Leung has suggested in his policy address?
Arguably, the current housing problems and shortage of land supply to a great extent stemmed from the illicit use of vast tracts of the NT by the indigenous inhabitants and, above all, the fallout of the small-house policy. Last year, one government minister once showed a willingness to have a rethink on the continuity of small-house policy in a bid to increase their land supply. However, daunted by an ferocious outcry from thousands of self-centered indigenous habitants, she immediately backed off and turned silent. So far, the government has demonstrated scant fortitude to stand up to Heung Yee Kuk, a staunch defender of small house policy.
Likewise, the conversion of GIC and other government sites to residential use in Kowloon are very often thwarted by some narrow-minded and self-seeking district councilors. A few years ago, the authorities sensibly proposed building a public estate on the seaside of Sham Shui Po to alleviate the housing problem in Kowloon. Sadly, to pander to their middle class voters with "not-in-my backyard syndrome", some Sham Shui Po district councilors strongly disapproved of the plan. Bowing to the immense pressure from the district council, the authorities were woefully compelled to shelve such a desirable housing plan.
Therefore, as CY Leung has rightly argued in his policy address, the government has "feasible plans for increasing land supply, but the only crucial question is whether we can stand united with one vision". Extensive land development takes decades. Surly, most of the Leung's strategies for housing and land supply are intended for our future needs. It is too easy for NT indigenous inhabitants, Heung Yee Kuk, and district councilors to shun or even oppose new land development out of short-term self-interest. But, bear in mind that their short-sighted opposition will inflict lasting housing anguish on our future generations.
In the past, it was without full public support that the government dithered on taking on groups of vested interests who are indifferent to our housing plight. Therefore, it is time for us to stand shoulder to shoulder with CY Leung administration to confront these selfish bullies.
The author is a Lecturer at the CPCE, Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a former Scouloudi Fellow at London University.
(HK Edition 01/17/2013 page3)