The leader Hong Kong needs

Philip Yeung says our governance must be overhauled, no matter who is elected. The city requires a chief executive who will listen, apologise for mistakes, reach out to those with opposing views, and, vitally, improve the economy and people’s livelihoods

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Hongkongers visit Government House in early March, during its annual open day. Hong Kong’s new leader must try to see ordinary people’s needs from a non-civil-servant angle, or progress on livelihood issues including a universal pension, housing and education will never see the light of day. Photo: Edward Wong

Published: 11:33am, 25 Mar 2017Updated: 6:21pm, 25 Mar 2017

One thing is for sure after the chief executive election: Hong Kong will be even more divided. This city has lost the art of compromise.

The pan-democrats, with their knee-jerk reaction that “anyone Beijing favours, we oppose”, have demonised Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor while John Tsang Chun-wah, as her foil, has all the virtues.

Now is the time to forget the labels and ask what kind of leader Hong Kong needs. The deep divisions cannot be wished away by smiles and good public relations vibes. We need someone with the healing touch.

The chief executive election Hong Kong could have had

But we don’t need a leader who hankers for the trappings of power or the opportunity to hobnob with the well-heeled. The chief executive is there to serve the people, not subserve the super-rich.

Even more pressing than specific policy ideas, Hong Kong’s next leader must set a new style of governance; clearly, the old confrontational style doesn’t work. That means setting a new tone and restoring respect in dealing with people of different political stripes. In a divided city, you cannot lead without respectful listening.

But people have been promised that before. This time, genuine listening must mean more than lip service. First, in public consultations, the government must avoid having a hidden, preset agenda. Contrarian views are often early signs of trouble to come, and should be welcomed. Consultants are not the government’s mouthpieces, paid to lend legitimacy to its actions.

Hong Kong’s next leader must set a new style of governance. That means setting a new tone and restoring respect in dealing with people of different political stripes. Photo: AP

Secondly, all government programmes must be subject to periodic reviews by stakeholders, with no sacred cows, and no thin-skinned officials. Governance is a two-way street, not a one-way lava flow.