Hong Kong's ex-No. 2 official to stand for leadership polls

Hong Kong’s former No. 2 official John Lee on Saturday formally declared his candidacy for the upcoming leadership election, entering the race for chief executive viewed by many as Beijing's preferred candidate.

Lee said at an online news conference that he would stand for the election on May 8 after the Chinese government approved his resignation, which he submitted last week, as the city's chief secretary for administration.

He said a new government under his leadership would safeguard the rule of law and the “one country, two systems” framework in the city that allows Hong Kong to govern semi-autonomously and enjoy certain freedoms not found in mainland China.

The TV screens show former Hong Kong Chief Secretary John Lee speaks during an online press conference to announce his candidacy for the Election of the Hong Kong chief executive, in Hong Kong, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP PhotoKin Cheung)

“This decision is made out of my loyalty to my country, my love for Hong Kong, and my sense of duty to the Hong Kong people,” Lee said.

Lee’s candidacy comes after current leader Carrie Lam announced she would not run for a second term, following a rocky five years in power that spanned the COVID-19 pandemic, a crackdown on political freedoms and Beijing’s rapid and growing influence over the territory.

Lee, 64, is a staunch advocate of the city’s national security law, which has been used since 2020 to target pro-democracy activists, supporters and media, diminishing freedoms promised to Hong Kong during Britain’s handover to China in 1997.

The TV screens show former Hong Kong Chief Secretary John Lee speaks during an online press conference to announce his candidacy for the Election of the Hong Kong chief executive, in Hong Kong, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP PhotoKin Cheung)

Experts in the city see a potential administration under Lee as a signal that Beijing could further tighten its grip on the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

The chief executive will be voted in by an election committee of about 1,500 people, a majority of whom are pro-Beijing. The new leader will take office on July 1.

Lee spent the early years of his civil service career as a police officer and steadily climbed the ranks. He became Hong Kong’s security minister in July 2017 under Lam’s administration, and last June was promoted to chief secretary for administration.

The TV screens show former Hong Kong Chief Secretary John Lee speaks during an online press conference to announce his candidacy for the Election of the Hong Kong chief executive, in Hong Kong, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP PhotoKin Cheung)

Lee was a key figure in proposing contentious legislation in 2019 that would have allowed suspects in Hong Kong to be extradited to mainland China. He later oversaw a police crackdown on demonstrators after the proposed bill sparked months of massive anti-government protests in 2019.

After the protests were snuffed out, Lee was an outspoken supporter of the national security law imposed on the city, which outlaws subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces in the city’s affairs and has been used to suppress dissent. Over 150 people have been arrested since the law was implemented.

In 2020, the U.S sanctioned Lee, together with Lam and other Hong Kong and mainland Chinese government officials, for “undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy and restricting the freedom of expression or assembly.”

A TV screen shows former Hong Kong Chief Secretary John Lee speaks during an online press conference to announce his candidacy for the Election of the Hong Kong chief executive, in Hong Kong, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP PhotoKin Cheung)

Next month's election will be the first since Hong Kong’s electoral laws were amended last year to ensure that only “patriots” loyal to Beijing can hold office. The changes make it difficult for pro-democracy supporters to run for chief executive.

Hong Kong’s leader is chosen every five years, although the selection process is carefully orchestrated behind the scenes by Beijing. The four chief executives selected since Hong Kong’s handover have all been candidates seen as favored by Beijing.

Lee said he would focus policymaking on ensuring that Hong Kong remains competitive globally and “bolster its role as a gateway and bridge between our country and the world.”

The TV screens show former Hong Kong Chief Secretary John Lee speaks during an online press conference to announce his candidacy for the Election of the Hong Kong chief executive, in Hong Kong, Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP PhotoKin Cheung)

Hong Kong was ranked fifth by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in its World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, up two places from last year. The findings continued to recognise Hong Kong as one of the most competitive economies in the world.

Among the four competitiveness factors, Hong Kong’s ranking in government efficiency stayed high among the top three. The city's rankings in business efficiency and infrastructure rose notably and came within the top 10 globally. Its ranking in economic performance saw significant improvement, reflecting the economic recovery in 2023.

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As regards the sub-factors, Hong Kong topped the rankings in international trade and business legislation, and was among the global top five in tax policy, international investment, basic infrastructure, finance and education.

Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world, and is the only city that combines Chinese advantages and international advantages. Hong Kong will continue to perform its roles and functions as a super-connector and a super value-adder, and proactively integrate into the overall national development and align with national development strategies.