The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will reinforce its role as a “responsible party” by upholding an executive-led system to ensure effective governance, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday.

He was responding to a call by Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, who told a seminar in Beijing on Monday that the SAR’s executive, legislature and judiciary must complement each other’s work to ensure an effective governing mechanism.

Speaking ahead of an Executive Council meeting, Lee said Hong Kong has learned lessons since its return to the motherland, noting that past disruptions to executive authority have underscored the need to cherish and safeguard stability.

Summarizing his administration’s work since he took office, Lee said the SAR government has actively pursued reform, promoting economic growth and enhancing public welfare.

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Key initiatives taken included building a results-oriented government, and introducing and successfully steering through the Legislative Council a series of revolutionary legislation that’s critical to national security, social well-being and economic development.

“The SAR government will certainly take proactive measures and continue to integrate the executive-led system into every aspect of governance,” he said.

Lee pledged to persistently strengthen governance capacity, fully assume responsibility for Hong Kong’s overall leadership, incorporate diverse perspectives from across society into policy-making to adapt to evolving circumstances, and decisively address long-standing, deep-rooted challenges that have accumulated over the years.

As the nation begins its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), Lee said this year is crucial for the SAR’s economic growth and public welfare. The administration will align closely with national strategies and strengthen top-level planning for the city’s development.

Major policy areas will cover land, housing, medical services, education, transport, labor, social welfare, social inclusion and youth development.

Lee emphasized that under the executive-led system, the executive, legislative and judicial branches must each fulfill their roles to promote good governance and serve the public interest.

He also urged all sectors of society to support and participate in improving the executive-led system.

Contact the writer at stacyshi@chinadailyhk.com