To start making progress, governments need to set out a five-year development blueprint and paint a compelling vision for the future. Simply proposing a development plan is not enough, as we have seen previous plans turn out to be mere pipe dreams or fail to deliver the expected results.
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Expectations are high for China's Greater Bay Area, but challenges will arise in integrating 11 cities
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The time has come for the government to move beyond empty promises and put words into action. A five-year development blueprint should include at least two key indicators: GDP growth and employment growth, with a particular focus on: youth employment.
These measurable goals demonstrate the effectiveness of government efforts. There are various approaches to achieving these goals, but the focus should be on actual results. Key performance indicators In addition to describing what was done, you need to highlight what was achieved.
Moreover, as external obstacles to governance are reduced, it is time for governments to shake off bureaucratic red tape and revamp their internal operations. Many governance issues stem from internal bottlenecks and cross-functional barriers, resulting in inefficiency and lackluster performance.
3 people new deputy chief You will need to lead different departments to implement policies quickly and foster seamless collaboration. The government's outdated internal mechanisms result in only half-hearted efforts and hinder progress.
Another pressing issue is the need to build bridges between authorities and the people. re-establish trust and gather support from the people. Despite the government hosting a number of high-profile events in recent years; criticism and complaints Voices from citizens are pouring in one after another.
Ignoring these emotions is turning a blind eye to the reality that such negative emotions exist. become an obstacle Achieve effective governance. Therefore, gaining public support should be a top priority for the Hong Kong government.
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Governments must find ways to create real connections between authorities and the people. Officials have attempted to engage with the public, but through social media, these interactions often feel distant and isolated. Virtual spaces are not enough to foster genuine relationships. Officials visiting local markets, participating in morning exercises, and interacting face-to-face with the public would have far more impact.
There is also an urgent need for officials to strengthen relationships with the people and raise the government's standing in the eyes of the people. They should spend more time engaging with the community outside of the office. This not only contributes to employees' own physical and mental health, but also fosters stronger connections, rather than relying solely on social media platforms within the office.
Transparency is the only way to turn things around in Hong Kong
It is also important to embrace diverse participation and listen to a variety of voices.Voices from Legco and various advisory boards today lacks the necessary diversity. They all seem to be singing the government's song, creating an echo chamber.
If the government only listens to a narrow range of opinions, it will undoubtedly create blind spots and make effective governance difficult. The recent controversy surrounding Waste charge system This is a prime example of hasty and ill-considered implementation causing further problems and delays.
A billboard advertising the government's waste levy scheme is seen at a bus stop in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay district on January 22. The plan has already been postponed twice, but after testing in 14 locations, it is scheduled to be rolled out across the city on August 1st. It started this week.Photo: Mei Tse
Governments therefore need to adopt a more open-minded approach. When seeking public opinion, a variety of voices should be included. At a minimum, the following people should be invited to the advisory committee: different political positions and policy perspectives participate to challenge and expand government policy thinking. Governance should consider the needs and aspirations of different sectors of society and be guided by diversity and inclusion.
The passage of Bill 23 is not the end, but rather a new beginning. This marks the beginning of building a better future for Hong Kong. Therefore, the city government must deliver concrete results, Legco must fulfill its responsibilities, and Hong Kongers must regain their trust.
There is still much work ahead, beyond the completion of the Article 23 bill. It may not be time to pop the champagne just yet, but let's look forward to a promising future on the horizon.
Dr. Thich Chee Yuen is a constituency legislator with social welfare functions.
