Upholding Social Justice

29. The pillars of Hong Kong’s success include the rule of law upheld by an independent judiciary, the free flow of information, a clean government and a level playing field for business. They are also the foundations of a harmonious society. The SAR Government is determined to safeguard the rule of law, respect judicial independence, protect the rights and freedoms our people enjoy, and uphold social justice. We will ensure that our law enforcement agencies have sufficient powers and resources to maintain public order and protect the public interest under the law.

30. A major advantage that Hong Kong enjoys in global competition is our clean public and private sectors. This institutional feature is highly acclaimed in the international community and is the pride of our people. It is also a core value we must protect. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has been playing a crucial role in building a clean society in Hong Kong. Its achievements are there for all to see. Under no circumstances will the Government waver in its determination to combat corruption. We will render full support to the work of the ICAC, as we have always done. We will also support the ICAC’s efforts to improve the effectiveness of its law enforcement actions in response to changes in our legal system and our society. As Chief Executive, I accept the need for my office to be subject to anti-corruption regulation. To that end, the Government will introduce legislation into the Legislative Council as soon as possible to put in place the necessary legal regulatory procedures within the framework of the Basic Law.

31. We should act together to uphold pluralism and inclusiveness in our society, and oppose any form of discrimination. We will propose legislation to prohibit racial discrimination. Before introducing new policies and measures, we will insist on consideration of the different needs and perspectives of men and women and promote equality of the sexes and their opportunities to do their best. We will continue to promote the rights of children and sexual minorities, as well as racial harmony.

32. Hong Kong is a place that blends East and West. We are deeply rooted in Chinese culture, but have also adopted many values and customs common to many other societies and cultures. In Hong Kong, people live and work in harmony and with mutual respect, whether they come from different provinces in the Mainland or are overseas Chinese or ethnic Chinese, or nationals from all corners of the globe. We encourage the promotion of cultural diversity. Active interplay and convergence of different cultures enrich our own culture and give it a unique flavour. As a world city, Hong Kong has to be ready to embrace the world.

33. As an agent and guardian of Hong Kong’s overall long-term interests, the Government is committed to upholding equity in its governance. We will adhere strictly to established systems and procedures in our dealings with the public, and impartially take care of the interests of various sectors. We will ensure that statutory bodies perform their functions effectively and collaborate with non-government organisations to secure equal opportunities for all in our society, especially in terms of receiving education, so that members of the community can upgrade themselves.

34. We will rally the efforts of all sectors to create favourable conditions for personal development, thereby creating more opportunities for upward mobility. To better equip our young people to find work and to raise the overall effectiveness of the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme, trainees will now have more skill courses, and a greater variety from which to choose. We will also increase the programme’s workplace attachment training allowance from $1,000 to $2,000 to encourage more trainees to gain actual work experience. We have increased the number of fee-waiving places under the After School Care Programme so that more low-income family members can work. In addition, we will co-operate with schools to provide students with after-school learning and other support services. The three-year Capacity Building Mileage Programme launched by the Women’s Commission has successfully encouraged women of different strata to pursue continuous learning and personal development. There have been over 6 000 enrolments in the programme in the past year and a half. We will continue to maintain close contact with different women’s groups, to work together to promote women’s participation in public affairs. To enhance employment services in remote areas, the Labour Department will set up job centres in Yuen Long and North District, increasing the number of job centres from 10 to 12. We will extend some temporary jobs in the public sector to meet operational needs. We will also relax the eligibility criteria of the Incentive Allowance Scheme for Local Domestic Helpers to promote the development of the local domestic helper market.