My cabinet is loyal and united: John Lee
Incoming Chief Executive John Lee said on Sunday that members of his cabinet are united and loyal, with an emphasis on policy execution and efficient governance. Introducing his team to the press for the first time, Lee said the principal officials come from diverse backgrounds - namely current government officials, seasoned civil servants, professionals, as well as people with networks in the community or their respective sectors. "This team is united and loyal, and we share the same ideal of governance. We will be result-oriented, with emphasis on team spirit and execution," he told reporters. "My team and I will reach out, listen to, and communicate with the public with sincerity. We will be proactive in winning the trust of the people, and make policies that meet with demands." Lee thanked outgoing Chief Executive Carrie Lam for her work on the administration's transition, and officials he had worked with when he was Chief Secretary and security minister. "'They've served the people of Hong Kong with utmost sincerity and stamina...We went through different difficulties and challenges, through which we have developed mutual support and respect," he said. Describing outgoing ministers as his "partners and mentors", Lee called on them to continue serving Hong Kong, such as in public organisations or on advisory bodies. "While it may not be possible to continue to walk the path ahead with each one of them, apart from expressing my gratitude, I also hope that they'll continue to serve Hong Kong in different capacities." When asked whether some of them weren't asked to stay on because of their performances, Lee said it was normal that some people don't stay when administrations change. The incoming CE said he picked Eric Chan to be his Chief Secretary because he has spent many years in government, and being the current director of the Chief Executive's Office, he has been involved in a wide range of policy areas. "We have a lot of outstanding questions in front of us, but in our dialogue, he's won my trust that he will be fully committed and he'll surely rise to the challenges," Lee said. He said the four current lawmakers joining the government -- home and youth affairs chief, Alice Mak; deputy justice minister, Horace Cheung; Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Sun Dong; and audit director Nelson Lam -- were resigning from the legislature.