新民黨 回應 行政長官2023年《施政報告》
日期︰2023 年 10 月 25 日
行政長官李家超先生今天(25日)發布2023年《施政報告》,新民黨認為內容非常詳盡,除了維護國家安全,也充分回應民意,涵蓋的政策範圍非常廣泛。
新民黨主席暨立法會議員葉劉淑儀女士、新民黨常務副主席暨立法會議員黎棟國先生、新民黨副主席暨立法會議員容海恩女士、新民黨中委暨立法會議員李梓敬先生、新民黨中委暨立法會議員何敬康先生,與新民黨副主席潘國山先生等,今天也在立法會聆聽行政長官宣讀三個多小時的施政報告。隨後各立法會議員就各項政策仔細討論,並就新民黨關注的重點政策作回應。
施政報告內容詳盡 措施鉅細無遺
葉太認為:「行政長官這次的施政報告內容詳盡,無論是短期的經濟刺激措施,或長遠經濟規劃,促進香港的經濟轉型,與土地、房屋、醫療、安老等各方面都鉅細無遺,報告有很多良好的政策建議。新民黨特別感謝行政長官聆聽很多意見,吸納我們很多建議,例如放寬股票交易及房屋交易印花稅、推行人口政策、發展南丫島的石礦場、吸納人才、大灣區發展等。」
促政府「搶人才」 更要「留人才」
黎棟國議員表示:「非常高興行政長官就『搶人才』方面接納我們相當多的建議,現時政府『搶人才』的成績相當不錯,但『留人才』是比較嚴峻的問題。行政長官在《施政報告》推出措施,讓外來人才置業印花稅『先免後徵』,取代要求他們居港滿七年才退還的『先徵後免』措施,相信對留住人才起到重要作用。」
對於「建設國際專上教育樞紐」方面,黎棟國議員稱行政長官宣布11月開始,暫免在港就讀的全日制非本地研究生參與兼職工作的限制,可令他們在進修期間抽出更多時間,理解香港職場,繼而吸引他們日後留在香港居住及發展,有利人才留港。
在「釋放土地發展潛力」方面,新民黨一直關注前南丫島石礦場發展,曾建議利用當地美好的環境興建人才公寓。黎棟國議員稱居住是非常重要的吸引人才因素。「行政長官在《施政報告》已同意發展前南丫島石礦場用地,相信有助留住人才,對香港的發展很有幫助,令香港的人才庫更加充實,更可增加香港的新科技發展動力。」
「資本投資者入境計劃」 排除房地產投資 減對樓市衝擊
黎棟國議員也關注「資本投資者入境計劃」,他認為計劃在多年前實行時相當受歡迎,這次行政長官再次推出有關計劃,最低的投資額要求為3,000萬元,比坊間的估算更多,他認為金額雖然較大但對於有興趣在香港投資的申請者來說,不是問題,重點是計劃排除房地產的投資,是非常重要,因香港的房屋供應非常短缺,因此計劃排除投資房地產,改而投資其他項目如股票、基金等,可以幫助香港的資本市場集資,方向性相當不錯。
支持《施政報告》鼓勵生育
容海恩議員也十分支持本次的《施政報告》,「尤其見行政長官有大篇幅關注共同維護和諧穩定的篇章,生育政策與人口政策本身就是密不可分,息息相關。在生育政策方面,我們支持報告提及支持新生家庭的篇章,樂見政府採納新民黨去年的《施政報告》及財政預算案的新生嬰兒津貼建議,為新生嬰兒提供2萬元現金獎勵,令新生嬰兒的父母非常期待,希望政策可盡快推行。」
她也認為政府鼓勵生育的政策非常全面,如提高居所稅項扣除、增加在職家庭津貼、增加幼兒中心名額和津貼等,考慮真正有需要家庭的住屋及照顧子女的多項負擔,「可見政府除了支援年輕父母『生育』,也支援他們『養育』子女的需要。」
支援婦女
對於婦女的支援,容海恩議員也關注支援有需要的婦女爭取贍養費,政府在《施政報告》提出透過關愛基金推出「贍養費調解試行計劃」協助雙方解決爭議,期望可解決受影響夫婦即時的困難,也希望可縮短婦女爭取贍養費的問題。
容海恩議員作為法律界人士,她表示欣然見到行政長官《施政報告》擴展內地企業使用香港法律和爭議解決服務,推動將「港資港法」和「港資港仲裁」由深圳前海及內地自由貿易試驗區,擴展至適用於大灣區,她對有關政策表示支持。她認為《施政報告》十分全面,應有盡有。
加強交通運輸網絡
李梓敬議員關注北部都會區的發展,「是次《施政報告》很多政策也順應民意及接納新民黨的建議。很多市民反對沙嶺興建公眾骨灰龕,認為位置不適合,政府提出重新審視,回應市民的訴求。」
他也關注交通規劃問題,就行政長官提出優化「三鐵三路」安排及加推「兩鐵一路」新項目,認為有助完善新界東北交通網絡發展,也方便香港市民往來不同口岸,特別考慮北環線東延線,和新界東北線,都會連接不同口岸,進一步促進香港市民與粵港澳大灣區交流。
對於政府發展郵輪旅遊,李梓敬議員認為其中面對最大的問題,就是交通,旅客下船後接駁市區需時,他稱《施政報告》回應新民黨的訴求,考慮參考雲巴,接駁郵輪跑道區至啟德站,完善交通網絡有助旅遊發展。
健康香港 促進醫療發展
最後,何敬康議員回應是次《施政報告》,「本次《施政報告》涵蓋非常多方面,尤其在『健康香港』的篇章方面,我們非常關注健康政策與大灣區融合,《施政報告》正好成就香港發揮醫療優勢及融合大灣區的長遠目標,建立第一層審批藥物註冊機構,簡化過去比較繁複的藥物審批程序,對於未來香港研發及臨床研究,可吸引本地及外地企業來港作臨床試驗,不需要經外地審批,有助香港未來醫藥發展。」
他也關注《施政報告》提及中醫藥發展,有規劃藍圖,及中西醫協作將有非常大的發展,認為有助加強醫療及基層醫療服務。
支援中小企持續發展
何敬康議員強調,新民黨非常重視中小企持續發展,《施政報告》有很多支援中小企的措施,例如電商發展、出口信用保險,對中小企拓展業務有重大幫助。中小企融資方面,《施政報告》讓中小企融資、還款安排等更有彈性。
他也關注創業板GEM的改革方案。「我們已持續要求改革創業板,讓中小企更容易利用創業板的平台融資及上市,非常期待改革的創業板上市規則可於明年出台。」何敬康議員總結道。
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泰國旅遊競爭力解碼 / Decoding the Competitiveness of Tourism in Thailand
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前文提到,我於聖誕假期到泰國曼谷度假,發現當地的旅遊業發展蓬勃。報道指,截至2024 年12 月,泰國全年共吸引超過3500 萬人次造訪。我認為泰國之所以能夠成為世界知名的旅遊勝地,以及吸引港人遊客,其中一大主因在於它的人力資源及土地價值遠較香港要低,令其可以較低的消費物價吸引遊客。
首先,泰國的年輕人口比例較高。泰國目前人口約為7000 萬,年齡中位數為39 歲,勞動人口(15 歲至64 歲)佔約68%(約4760 萬人);反觀香港的人口只有約750 萬,年齡中位數為46歲,勞動人口佔約51%(約383 萬人)。受惠於充足的勞動人口,泰國的人均工資低於香港,優良的性價比令當地服務業發展也相當發達。以港人喜愛的按摩服務為例,旅行期間我光顧一家園林式按摩店,3 人按摩兩個小時只收費1400港元(且毋須打賞),這比香港便宜許多,十分超值。
第二,泰國的土地價值均低於香港,使得整體成本較低。據報道,在清邁購置一片建屋面積約63,000 呎的土地,分成12 戶,每戶土地約4300 呎,一塊土地售價約35 萬港元。相比之下,假設要在香港購置一片同樣面積的土地,價格可能是泰國的數十倍。較低的地價降低了房地產項目的成本,使得新開設的商場可在不急於即時回本的前提下逐步發展。
最後,以人文資源來說,泰國以其開放和包容的社會氛圍,成為全球遊客眼中的獨特魅力之地。例如,同性婚姻的合法化,以及一年一度吸引了3 萬人參加的White Party 都是泰國與眾不同的特色。隨着旅客在疫後的消費模式出現轉變,傳說的消費旅遊已較難吸引新一代旅客。我認為香港不妨仿效泰國,透過舉辦類似的活動,來打造香港的旅遊名片。事實上,香港於2023 年曾舉辦首次在亞洲舉行的同志界國際盛事「同樂運動會」。我認為類似的活動既能彰顯香港包容多元的價值,還有助於擴大香港的旅遊市場,政府應考慮多加舉辦。
Decoding the Competitiveness of Tourism in Thailand
As mentioned earlier, I holidayed in Bangkok, Thailand during the Christmas break and found that the local tourism industry is thriving. Reports indicate that by December 2024, Thailand had attracted over 35 million visitors throughout the year. I believe that one of the main reasons Thailand has become a world-renowned tourist destination and attracts visitors from Hong Kong is due to its lower human resources and land values compared to Hong Kong, which allows it to attract tourists with lower consumption prices.
Firstly, Thailand has a higher proportion of young people. With a current population of around 70 million, Thailand has a median age of 39, and the labor force (aged 15 to 64) accounts for about 68% (approximately 47.6 million people); in contrast, Hong Kong's population is only about 7.5 million, with a median age of 46, and the labor force accounts for about 51% (approximately 3.83 million people). Benefiting from an abundant labor force, Thailand's average wages are lower than Hong Kong's, and the excellent value for money has led to a well-developed local service industry. For example, during my trip, I visited a garden-style massage parlor where a 2-hour massage for three people cost only HK$1,400 (without the need for tips), which is much cheaper than Hong Kong and very cost-effective.
Secondly, land values in Thailand are lower than in Hong Kong, resulting in lower overall costs. According to reports, purchasing a piece of land in Chiang Mai with a building area of about 63,000 square feet, divided into 12 units with each unit having around 4,300 square feet of land, costs approximately HK$350,000 per unit. In comparison, purchasing a piece of land of the same size in Hong Kong could be tens of times more expensive than in Thailand. Lower land prices reduce the costs of real estate projects, allowing newly opened malls to gradually develop without the immediate need to recoup investments.
Lastly, in terms of cultural resources, Thailand's open and inclusive social atmosphere has made it a unique and charming destination in the eyes of global tourists. For example, the legalization of same-sex marriage and the annual White Party, which attracts 30,000 participants, are distinctive features of Thailand. As post-pandemic consumer patterns among travelers shift, the legendary concept of consumption tourism may find it challenging to attract the new generation of travelers. I believe that Hong Kong could follow Thailand's example by organizing similar events to create a tourism hallmark for Hong Kong. In fact, Hong Kong hosted the first-ever Gay Games in Asia in 2023. I think similar events not only showcase Hong Kong's inclusive values but also help expand Hong Kong's tourism market, which the government should consider hosting more of.
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泰國的旅遊魅力 / The Charms of Traveling in Thailand
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泰國一直是最受遊客歡迎的旅遊目的地之一。根據報道顯示,2024年到訪泰國的遊客已超過3500萬人次,可以說每日都有絡繹不絕的遊客前往泰國。這個聖誕節假期,我也造訪了曼谷一趟,體驗其旅遊魅力。
泰國曼谷融合了歷史悠久的古蹟和獨特的當地文化,各大商場也各具特色。位於湄南河畔的暹羅天地底層的室內水上市場便充滿亮點。遊客可以乘坐長尾船穿梭於寺廟和涼亭之間,品嘗泰國小吃並購買本土工藝品。在除夕夜,暹羅天地舉辦了「驚艷泰國2025跨年倒數活動」,泰國巨星Lalisa Manobal作了壓軸演出。據報道,她的緋聞男友 LVMH三公子Frederic Arnault也在台下欣賞演出,現場人潮洶湧。此外,曼谷的高端生活商場Emsphere也極具特色,坐擁古色古香的倉庫式商店和極具本土風味的餐廳、咖啡館和酒吧,吸引大量美食愛好者前來探索。
泰國物價相對便宜,性價比高。研究顯示,泰國擁有豐富的天然資源,有80%食品業所需的原材料可在當地採購,這讓食品價格具備強大競爭力。對於來自發達國家的遊客來說,這樣的價格真是價廉物美。泰國服務業水平也高,據駐泰辦事處經濟組觀察,「泰國年輕人比較喜歡服務業」。泰國目前約有7000萬人口,年齡中位數為39歲,年輕人口比例高,從事服務行業人數龐大,人手充足,服務質量高。我光顧了一家泰式按摩,店內園林式佈置讓環境舒適,客人心情自然放鬆寫意,這與香港的服務環境截然不同,令我留下深刻的印象。
最後,泰國的多元文化和開放風氣也是其獨特之處。以曼谷知名猛男餐廳為例,這些餐廳深受遊客喜愛。據報道,遊客可以在這些餐廳中品嘗地道的泰國美食,同時欣賞到精心編排的表演。
我相信無論身在哪裏,感受當地文化風情總是旅行的核心。泰國以其獨特的文化和自然風光,為我展開了一幅飽滿的旅遊畫卷。
The Charms of Traveling in Thailand
Thailand has always been one of the most popular tourist destinations. According to reports, the number of visitors to Thailand in 2024 has exceeded 35 million, indicating a constant influx of tourists to the country. This Christmas holiday, I also visited Bangkok to experience its travel charms.
Bangkok, Thailand blends ancient historical sites with unique local culture, and its various shopping malls each have their own characteristics. The indoor floating market at Siam Paragon, located along the Chao Phraya River, is a highlight. Visitors can navigate the temples and pavilions by long-tail boat, taste Thai snacks, and purchase local crafts. On New Year's Eve, Siam Paragon hosted the "Dazzling Thailand 2025 New Year Countdown Event," where Thai superstar Lalisa Manobal performed as the finale. Reports indicate that her rumored boyfriend, LVMH heir Frederic Arnault, was also in attendance, and the crowd was massive. Additionally, Bangkok's upscale lifestyle mall, Emsphere, is distinctive with its warehouse-style shops, local-flavored restaurants, cafes, and bars, attracting a large number of food enthusiasts to explore.
Prices in Thailand are relatively cheap, offering great value for money. Research shows that Thailand has abundant natural resources, with 80% of the raw materials needed in the food industry available locally, making food prices highly competitive. For tourists from developed countries, such prices are a great deal. The service industry in Thailand is also of a high standard. According to observations from the economic section of the Thai Consulate, "Thai young people prefer service industries." With a population of around 70 million, Thailand has a median age of 39, a high proportion of young people, a large number engaged in the service industry, ample manpower, and high service quality. I visited a Thai massage parlor where the garden-like setting made the environment comfortable, allowing guests to relax naturally. This was a stark contrast to the service environment in Hong Kong and left a lasting impression on me.
Lastly, Thailand's multiculturalism and open atmosphere are also its unique characteristics. Take the famous muscle man restaurants in Bangkok for example, these restaurants are highly popular among tourists. Reports indicate that visitors can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine in these restaurants while witnessing carefully choreographed performances.
I believe that no matter where one is, experiencing the local culture and atmosphere is always at the heart of travel. Thailand, with its unique culture and natural beauty, has painted a rich travel tapestry for me.
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政府用人應做到術業有專攻 / Government Personnel Management Should Focus on Specialization
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交稿時恰逢元旦,新年伊始,我先祝各位讀者2025 年事事順心,平安喜樂。
我在前文建議透過檢視、理順並適當刪減及整合目前眾多有時限首長級編外職位,減輕首長級公務員的人手壓力。
除了政府內部的職責分工,我認為特區政府在人事的任命上亦有檢視空間。由於政務官是管理通才,工作涉及不同政策範疇,政府內部往往會委任政務官或前政務官作政府部門或公營機構管理層,但缺點是政務官或缺少該範疇的相關資歷和經驗,導致部門或機構職能難以完全發揮。
比方說,特區政府於2022 年成立香港投資管理有限公司(港投公司),以積極推進在創新科技領域的直接及共同投資。在物色管理層時,特區政府根據外匯基金諮詢委員會轄下管治委員會建議,委任一位前政務官出任行政總裁。
作為負責推動香港投資的機構,我認為其行政總裁宜選擇投資有道、懂得如何為機構帶來盈利的「操盤手」。雖然獲委任人選亦曾任職金管局,惟其工作主要負責監察及維持金融市場及貨幣穩定,較少涉獵投資工作。雖然機構的實際投資毋須其親自執行,但由監管人員出任行政總裁,機構的投資策略能否做到積極有為,仍然有待觀察。
另一個例子則是新聞處長的人選。新聞處作為政府的公共關係顧問,負責政府的出版、宣傳片及新聞工作,並透過傳媒向市民宣傳政策,以提高市民對政府工作的認識。鑑於其職責需要長期與傳媒界打交道,回歸前新聞處長多由專業新聞官出任。自從最後一任由專業新聞官晉升的處長丘李賜恩於1997 年離任後,新聞處長便由政務官擔任。雖然政務官熟悉政府運作,但他們欠缺傳媒背景,加上經常調任,較難與傳媒建立深厚關係,使得新聞處較難發揮原有職能。
我認為,政府宜盡快為專業性較強的職位培養專才,以擺脫依賴政務官的情况,從而優化整體的人力資源規劃。
Government Personnel Management Should Focus on Specialization
Submitting this article coincides with New Year's Day, at the beginning of the new year, I would like to wish all readers a smooth and joyful 2025.
In a previous article, I suggested that by reviewing, streamlining, and appropriately reducing and integrating the numerous time-limited senior non-established positions, the pressure on senior civil servants could be alleviated.
In addition to the division of responsibilities within the government, I believe there is room for the SAR government to review its personnel appointments. As administrative officers are generalists in management, their work involves different policy areas. The government often appoints administrative officers or former administrative officers to manage government departments or public entities. However, the drawback is that administrative officers may lack the relevant qualifications and experience in a specific field, leading to difficulties in fully utilizing the functions of the department or organization.
For example, in 2022, the SAR government established the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC) to actively promote direct and joint investments in the field of innovative technology. When selecting the management team, the SAR government appointed a former administrative officer as the Chief Executive Officer based on the recommendation of the Governance Committee under the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee.
As an organization responsible for promoting investments in Hong Kong, I believe that the Chief Executive Officer should be a skilled "trader" who knows how to bring profits to the organization through investments. Although the appointee has also served in the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, his work mainly involved overseeing and maintaining financial market and monetary stability, with less involvement in investment work. While the actual investments of the organization do not require his personal execution, having a regulator serve as the Chief Executive Officer raises questions about whether the organization's investment strategy can be proactive and effective.
Another example is the selection of the Director of Information Services. As a public relations consultant for the government, the Information Services Department is responsible for the government's publications, promotional videos, and news work, and communicates government policies to the public through the media to enhance public awareness of government work. Given the long-term interaction with the media required by the position, prior to the handover, the Director of Information Services was mainly filled by professional journalists. Since the departure of the last Director promoted from a professional Information Officer, Irene Yau, in 1997, the position has been held by administrative officers. While administrative officers are familiar with government operations, they lack a media background and, due to frequent transfers, find it challenging to establish strong relationships with the media, making it difficult for the Information Services Department to fulfill its original functions.
I believe that the government should promptly cultivate specialists for positions that require a stronger level of expertise to break away from the reliance on administrative officers, thereby optimizing the overall human resources planning.
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