Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor's public approval rate rose significantly in a regular poll conducted by the Public Opinion Programme under the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and published earlier this week. Her latest approval rate almost hit 64 percent - which is 11.5 percentage points more than the previous one. It proved once again that Lam is the right choice for CE's job. Many members of the public agree. The poll is further proof most Hong Kong residents like Lam's work so far and have confidence in her ability to lead.

Lam has already served notice with concrete steps that the fifth-term special administrative region government will do its best to live up to the expectations of Hong Kong society as well as the central government. This was spelled out by President Xi Jinping in his heartfelt speeches during his three-day visit here June 29 through July 1. Hong Kong people are particularly looking forward to seeing the new SAR government tackle such demanding tasks as concentrating on economic development and preventing political controversies further dividing society. Although it is too early to tell right now, there are good reasons for Hong Kong residents to support Lam with confidence.

Carrie Lam was sworn in as the fifth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR on July 1, when the city also celebrated with the whole nation the 20th anniversary of its return to the motherland. On the first day in office after the public holidays Lam gave her first press conference as CE in the lobby of her office building on July 3. Later in the week she also had tea with media representatives, a welcome gesture that underlined her determination to establish her own leadership style from the start. Many people may remember how she handled such matters when as chief secretary for administration. Here is the proof she has not lost her no-nonsense style.

In the following days she showed the public her pragmatic, proactive and hands-on approach to government administration with a proposed package of additional recurring funding of HK$3.6 billion a year to improve pre-school, elementary, secondary, post-secondary and vocational education. The plan was followed by proposed measures to upgrade the old-age care system and address other issues of public concern.

In her first question and answer session with the Legislative Council on Day 4 (Tuesday, July 4) she extended her good will to all political parties and communities lawmakers represent. Lam promised she would make more time to exchange views with them as best she can. That is also part of her efforts to lead the city to mend the rifts in the social fabric by focusing on improving people's livelihoods by boosting economic development and building social harmony.

All said, Lam has achieved an impressive start on her new job as CE of the HKSAR and most Hong Kong residents are pleased to see this.

(HK Edition 07/14/2017 page11)