Political, business leaders confident former CS will scale new heights if he is elected CE

This screengrab of an online press conference held by former Hong Kong chief secretary John Lee Ka-chiu shows him formally announcing his candidacy and platform for next month's Sixth-term Chief Executive Election, April 9, 2022.

Political and business leaders have voiced firm support for John Lee Ka-chiu's bid for Hong Kong's top job, applauding him as competent for the post and expressing confidence he can lead the city to new heights.

The former chief secretary for administration formally announced on Saturday his candidacy for the Sixth-term Chief Executive Election of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to be held on May 8.

In a joint statement, four civil service groups said they believe that John Lee Ka-chiu, with his rich experience in serving the community and his excellent performance in safeguarding national security, can lead Hong Kong in tackling local and external challenges ahead

He pledged to bring fresh hope to the people of Hong Kong and "open a new chapter" for the city with a three-pronged approach - solving the SAR's deep-rooted issues based on a results-oriented process; increasing the overall competitiveness of Hong Kong; and creating a firm foundation for the city's development.

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Lee said he decided to run for the SAR's next chief executive out of his loyalty for the country, his love for Hong Kong and a sense of duty to its people.

In a joint statement, four civil service groups said they believe that Lee, with his rich experience in serving the community and his excellent performance in safeguarding national security, can lead Hong Kong in tackling local and external challenges ahead.

Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference - the nation's top political advisory body - also expressed support for Lee.

Leung called on various sectors of the community to unite and back the next Hong Kong administration under the leadership of the new chief executive and start afresh, paving the way for a solid foundation for the next generation.

Bernard Charnwut Chan, non-official convenor of the Executive Council, described Lee as the right person to be the SAR's next leader. He believes Hong Kong can turn a new page with Lee's abundant experience in serving the public.

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Legislator Starry Lee Wai-king, chairperson of the city's largest political party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, agreed that Lee's results-oriented approach is in line with local residents' expectations.

Another lawmaker, Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung, who represents the business sector, said he has a long-standing friendship with Lee. In his view, Lee is upright, loyal to the country and has a strong sense of responsibility. Lee's skills in management and implementing policies are good, with outstanding adaptability and analytical ability, Lam said.

Meeting the press on Sunday, Lee said he has kicked off his election campaign and begun meeting members of the 1,500-strong Election Committee that picks the city's chief executive. He said he's grateful for the support and nominations he has received from various sectors. He will take note of their suggestions in drawing up his election platform.

In observing the strict anti-pandemic rules, Lee said most of his election campaign activities will be held online. He had two online meetings with EC members on Sunday for a frank exchange of views.

Lee said on Sunday night he had secured about 300 nominations from EC members so far. Lee's team aims to secure nominations from one-third of the EC members.

Nominations for the chief executive race began on April 3 and will end on April 16. Eligible candidates need to be nominated by at least 188 EC members, and obtain a minimum of 15 nominations from each of the five sectors in the committee.

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Lee, 64, had served in various positions during his 45 years in the Hong Kong civil service. He joined the police force as a probationary inspector in 1977 and rose through the ranks to become deputy police commissioner in 2010. Lee was appointed secretary for security in 2017 and promoted to chief secretary for administration in June.

Contact the writers at stushadow@chinadailyhk.com