The two candidates running in the transportation constituency of the forthcoming Legislative Council election have pledged to cement the city’s status as a global hub and unite the sector to assist in the aftermath of the Tai Po blaze.
Thursday marks the final day of the election forums, with four sessions prepared for lawmaker candidates running in the transportation, legal, agricultural and Heung Yee Kuk constituencies.
The first session of the day was attended by Feng Jiapei and Lothair Lam Ming-fung, who are vying for the transportation sector seat.
READ MORE: HK resumes election forums, fatal fire tops concerns
The session opened with a one-minute silence to mourn the victims of the Tai Po fire.
Feng’s key policy platforms include advancing port digitalization and simplifying cross-boundary procedures to facilitate freight transportation.
Lam emphasized the need to boost Hong Kong’s economic growth momentum as a priority, noting the need to strengthen the city’s status as an international shipping center.
Both Feng and Lam highlighted the transportation sector’s swift and collaborative efforts to support the city’s rescue and relief operations after the Tai Po fire, such as the MTR and bus companies launching green channels, as well as freight vehicles supporting logistics and distribution.
ALSO READ: Candidates of the Election Committee constituency
When asked about how to align with the reform areas identified by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and cope with the aftermath of Wang Fuk Court blaze, Feng said the transportation industry could institutionalize transportation and logistics management, suggesting incorporating the MTR, buses, minibuses, taxis, and other services into an emergency-response plan with regular drills to ensure sufficient regional transportation capacity during emergencies.
Lam said the government should set up an information platform to regularly release updates on the fire investigation progress and post-fire relief arrangements, ensuring transparency for the public.
The Legislative Council General Election will be held on Sunday.
Fu Yinglin contributed to the story.
