Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday made his first cabinet reshuffle at the mid-point of his five-year term, replacing transport minister Lam Sai-hung and tourism chief Kevin Yeung.

Lam was replaced by the former Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan, while Rosanna Law moves on from her former position as housing director to take up the culture, sports and tourism portfolio.

“I appreciate the leadership the articulation skill, and also the proactiveness of Ms Chan and Ms Law because this is exactly what I need in the years to come to ensure that we will reap the best results and also to ensure good governance,” Lee told a press conference unveiling his new ministers.

He said while he believes the majority of the community largely agrees with his administration’s policy aims and strategies, Hong Kong has “lost time” due both to the Covid pandemic and the 2019 riots, and he wants to “chase back the results and time.”

Chan and Law, the CE said, will help him realise his policy objectives, work closely with him and unite to further improve governance and serve the best interests of Hong Kong.

“I am pleased with the team I have now with the two newly appointed secretaries joining us,” Lee said.

“All the team members now are able people who will be implementing my governance philosophies and aims and are willing to take up challenges, make tough decisions, build the teams, and lead the officials to do what will be in alignment with my governance philosophy and aims.”

Lee did not say where the two former ministers were found wanting, and expressed his appreciation for their past efforts.

“I really think that they have contributed their best [and have given] their best efforts for Hong Kong. So I thank them sincerely and I hope that they will have a good life, happy life after their departure,” Lee said.

“But I want to do more in these two and a half years. I want to get the people who will fit my criteria in building more results and ensuring the community understand and appreciate government policies. And I think I've got the best choices,” the CE added.

The new ministers vowed to work hard to bring the best results to the people of Hong Kong.

Chan said she was determined to cement Hong Kong's status as a transport and logistics hub.

"I am honoured to be nominated by the chief executive and the appointment of the central people's government to become the Secretary for Transport and Logistics," she said.

"I will lead my bureau and four departments to strive for opportunities to change and take forward various infrastructure projects."

Meanwhile, Law said culture and tourism were important to the fabric of the city and were essential to many people's livelihoods.

"It is my honour and I feel there is a lot of responsibility on my shoulder. I thank the chief executive for his trust in me. I am going to be fully dedicated to supporting the chief executive and I will also stay united with principal officials, as well as the civil service."

Law said top of her agenda would be to prepare for the introduction of the pandas to the public at Ocean Park, ensuring the smooth implementation of the multi-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents and preparing for next year's National Games.

In a statement, Lam described serving various government positions in his 40-year public service career as "the greatest honour of my life".

He said he's grateful for the trust of the central government, the support of the CE as well as help from his government colleagues and friends in the industry over the years.

Yeung thanked his colleagues at the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau for working alongside with him.

He believes his successor will continue to work towards the betterment and improvement of Hong Kong's future.
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Last updated: 2024-12-05 HKT 16:03