Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said on June 27 that the good relationship between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and Legislative Council (LegCo) is the base for Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.

He also said lawmakers should bear the public's well-being in mind, and win their trust and confidence.

Tsang made the remarks when taking lawmakers' questions at LegCo for the first time in his new post on Monday.

Tsang said he wanted to thank members for their support, show his determination in boosting ties between the administration and the legislature, and show his sincerity in exchanging views with lawmakers.

Tsang said both the administration and lawmakers should have the general public's well-being in mind, be accommodative, cooperative and have mutual respect to win the public's trust and confidence. This is also the base for Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, he added.

He admitted there was a lack of mutual trust between the Administration and lawmakers, and it is time for both to be united to ensure effective governance.

Quoting results of a Central Policy Unit survey conducted in April, Tsang said over 60 percent of people considered stability and prosperity to be uppermost issues.

Among all policy objectives, people are most concerned with livelihood and the economy -- with employment, improving governance and air quality topping the list.

Tsang pledged he will strive to build a harmonious society and concentrate his energy on economic revival. He urged lawmakers to adopt a pragmatic attitude and take into account people's feelings and their aspirations for the future.

Tsang said with "one country, two systems" as the basis, the Administration and lawmakers will work and contribute towards the common good of Hong Kong.

In the coming few months, he will meet with lawmakers and listen to their views to make his policy agenda reflect public sentiment.

Tsang said views from the middle class on government policy are also important. He will reform a number of advisory bodies, including the Executive Council and the Commission on Strategic Development, to include more representatives from the middle class. He will also expand the Home Affairs Bureau's Public Affairs Forum to garner more views from the middle class.

Tsang said his first Policy Address will be delivered at the start of the coming legislative year in October. This is because his term will only last for two years, and there is a need to inform lawmakers of his policy objectives as soon as possible.

Source: Xinhua