Statement of the Hong Kong Coalition on “Implementing measures as soon as possible to eradicate the coronavirus epidemic”
In her Policy Address issued on November 25, the Chief Executive put forth more than 200 measures with a new governance concept to boost the economy, improve people’s livelihood, overcome the epidemic, improve governance and embark on a new path. The Hong Kong Coalition (thereinafter referred to as the Coalition) welcomes and supports the new proposals. The Coalition believes Hong Kong lies at a critical juncture and calls on society to support the Chief Executive and the SAR government to adopt decisive and effective measures to eradicate the coronavirus epidemic. The government must bring Hong Kong’s advantages into full play to develop the economy, improve people’s livelihood, nurture a new generation, and actively integrate into the Nation’s overall development blueprint to rediscover its former glory.
The Chief Executive examined the overall situation from a bird’s eye view in her Policy Address. She emphasised adhering to her initial resolution of championing “One Country, Two Systems”, fulfilling the Chief Executive’s mission and properly handling the relationship between the Central Government and the SAR. The Coalition believes that if Hong Kong is to continue moving forward, it must be done in accordance with the National Constitution and the Basic Law of Hong Kong. The handling of the SAR’s internal affairs must also be based on the relevant decisions and the National Security Law adopted by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee to ensure the country’s territorial integrity, national security, and development interests.
Therefore, the Coalition expressed its support for the measures proposed in the Policy Address to improve “One Country, Two Systems.” We expect the SAR government to strengthen publicity so that the general public can fully grasp its significance and allow the measures to be implemented effectively by taking root in the hearts and minds of the people.
At present, anti-epidemic prevention remains the top priority in Hong Kong. The Policy Address proposes adopting a “preventing the importation of cases and the spreading of the virus in the community” infection control strategy while suggesting a target of “zero” infection. The report also mentioned that the central government has agreed to set aside a certain amount of mainland-produced vaccines for use by the people of Hong Kong if the situation arises. As we face one wave of epidemic after another, the Coalition believes that now is the best time to use the vaccine to fight the outbreak. It recommends the SAR government immediately request the Central Government to provide the vaccines successfully developed and approved for use in the Mainland to Hong Kong citizens for voluntary use. The SAR Government must also adopt supporting measures and amend the relevant laws to allow the Mainland-produced vaccine to be used in Hong Kong. This would facilitate the implementation of the Central Government’s supportive measures to safeguard the Hong Kong people’s health and ability to travel.
Regarding the other measures proposed in the Policy Address, such as developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub; increasing the supply of housing and land; improving people’s livelihood, and assisting Hong Kong youth to develop in the Greater Bay Area, the Coalition believes they are feasible solutions that encapsulate a host of urgent problems in Hong Kong. We expect the entire body of civil servants to bring into full play the spirit of contributing to society and serving the public under the Chief Executive’s leadership. This would facilitate the efficient implementation of the measures in the policy address and demonstrate the SAR government’s high degree of autonomy under the comprehensive governance of the Central Government.
The Hong Kong Coalition
26/11/2020
［2020-11-26 ］
