Hong Kong’s new leader John Lee poised to prioritise security

Hong Kong’s next leader may prioritise security over an economic reboot, say analysts.

Hong Kong's new chief executive John Lee. Picture: AFP

Hong Kong’s next leader, John Lee, is inheriting a once vibrant Asian business hub mired in its third year of pandemic isolation but he may prioritise security over an economic reboot, business leaders and observers say.

Mr Lee, a former security chief, is expected to be confirmed as next chief executive on Sunday by a committee of 1463 elites after running uncontested with Beijing’s blessing.

He has promised a “results-­oriented” government and a new chapter for the southern Chinese city – although his manifesto ­announced few major policy shifts.

Business leaders have expressed concern over Mr Lee’s lack of details on how he might kickstart the city’s fortunes, including moving beyond Chinese-style travel curbs that have left the city cut off and sparked an exodus of talent.

“In order to reboot Hong Kong’s reputation as a business hub, we need a Covid exit plan,” Kristian Odebjer, head of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said.

Tara Joseph, former head of the city’s American Chamber of Commerce, said travel connectivity was a key first step for Hong Kong to regain its international stature after “so much reputation damage”.

But Mr Lee appeared to brush aside those concerns last week, saying that he will instead prioritise reopening the border with mainland China – signalling any immediate policy U-turn is unlikely.

MP and businessman Michael Tien said the pandemic had trapped Hong Kong’s leader ­between a rock and a hard place, no matter who fills that seat.

“Our country is going for zero-Covid while the rest of the world is living with the virus,” he said. “Hong Kong is stuck in the middle.”

The city was slammed by an Omicron-fuelled outbreak that killed 9000 people and contributed to a 4 per cent drop in economic output for the first quarter.

In recent weeks outgoing leader Carrie Lam has eased some pandemic restrictions, including reducing quarantine to seven days and allowing non-residents in for the first time in some two years.

Last week Mr Lee said he would continue “a good balancing act” between keeping the virus out and the economy afloat.

Mr Lee spent four decades within Hong Kong’s security services, prompting questions over his business acumen in a city that markets itself as the financial gateway between China and the world. “The choice of John Lee ­illustrates Beijing’s priorities of ­security and control in Hong Kong,” former US chamber head Joseph said.

“He will be the first HK leader with no business background.”

Mr Tien said Mr Lee would be receptive to outside opinions – a compliment echoed by many of his supporters.

“Lee won’t listen in matters of security, but in other areas he has no choice, he must listen and consider opinions,” Mr Tien said.

Mr Lee said he was a pragmatist eager to streamline procedures for greater efficiency.

AFP