Opinion | What Hong Kong needs from its leader in a time of tariff turmoil

Lee must reassure Hongkongers and the world more convincingly that the city can and will make it through the prevailing uncertainty

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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu speaks to the media at the government offices in Tamar on April 8. Lee slammed the United States for undermining global trade and bringing risks and uncertainties to the world through its “reckless imposition of tariffs”. Photo: Sun Yeung

Published: 9:30am, 14 Apr 2025Updated: 11:00am, 14 Apr 2025

Times of uncertainty separate true leaders from those less fit to lead. This applies to those making decisions for their families and those leading businesses, organisations and even governments. Communication is key.

We are headed into some very troubled waters, and who knows what monsters lie hidden in the deep? In such times, we need a leader who can see past our anxieties and step up to calm the public, explain the situation, reassure, unite and lead.

True leaders must work quickly in times of crisis, starting with sitting down with the people for a serious talk. Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong did exactly that on April 4. In a recorded video message on the implications of US President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs, Wong sent a clear message to the people of Singapore.

He laid out the situation, his assessment of where Singapore is at risk and problems the country will face. This was the first step in showing he was on top of the rapidly changing situation. He delved into a bit of history and trade wars of the past as an added reassurance to his people that things of this magnitude had happened before.

He also frankly admitted that “no one can say how the current situation will unfold in the coming months or years”. He outlined what it would take for Singapore to navigate through the unknown: vigilance, building up capabilities, strengthening partnerships and avoiding complacency. Most importantly, he ended with a call for unity and resolve, a reassurance that his people do have what it takes to endure.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong speaks during a signing ceremony at the Government House in Bangkok on November 28, 2024. Photo: Reuters

I wish Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu had done something similar. Except for his response to a reporter’s questions on whether there were any concrete measures the government would take to help local businesses affected by Trump’s tariffs and the tariffs’ impact on the city’s unemployment rate, Lee has been comparatively quiet.