HK Chief Executive delivers maiden policy address, focusing on housing (4)

PROMOTING PUBLIC SERVICES

In his policy address, Leung also promoted various measures for public services, addressing people's need.

In terms of the improvement of environment, Leung said the government will engage the public in discussion and foster co- operation among policy bureau in introducing various environmental protection initiatives to tackle key issues such as waste management and air quality.

According to Leung, the government will set out clear objectives and a roadmap to achieve cleaner air, better fuel mix, energy conservation, emission reduction, resources recovery and nature conservation in a comprehensive and systematic manner. "Our next priority will be improving roadside air quality," he said.

On the education front, Leung said the Education Bureau is setting up a committee to examine the feasibility of free kindergarten education and recommend specific proposals to enable all children to have access to quality kindergarten education.

As for health care, Leung believed Hong Kong should remain committed to the twin-track system for public and private healthcare sectors. Under the system, public medical services will provide a safety net for the people, with private healthcare services giving more choice for those who can afford to pay.

"We should ensure the balanced and continuous development of both public and private healthcare sectors," Leung said, adding that "to achieve this, we should reinforce the public healthcare system by enhancing its services and effectiveness, while facilitating the development of the private healthcare sector and improving the regulatory mechanism."

Regarding public transportation, Leung said the government needs to have comprehensive and long-term planning for public transport, which is closely related to people's livelihood, economic development and environmental protection.

"Our long-term planning for public transport will revolve around a railway-based network complemented by bus services," He outlined.

The policy address is an annual address by the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Leung was elected as the third chief executive of Hong Kong in March 2012 and came into office in July the same year. His full term will be five years.