Leung says livelihood first before universal suffrage

CE claims there’s ample time for consultation.

Leung Chun-ying yesterday said there are more pressing livelihood issues to deal with first and that ample time exists for the government to consult the public on universal suffrage for the 2017 Chief Executive election.

Leung also said the government has met challenges head-on and strove to address the needs and concerns of the people in a pragmatic way.

"We have resolved or effectively addressed several thorny issues in a short time, including the influx of pregnant mainland mothers who rushed to accident and emergency wards for delivery, the short supply of baby formula, disruptions at train stations caused by parallel goods traders, admission to Primary One for cross-boundary students, multiple-entry permits to non-residents of Shenzhen and the threat of H7N9 influenza," he said.

"While we do face an array of challenges, there are even more opportunities. I believe that the fourth-term government can make greater achievements during its tenure.”