'Practical' leader

A groundswell of support poured in after Lee was elected by an enormous margin.

The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said the election has again demonstrated the advancement and advantages of the city's improved electoral system. It believes the city will achieve greater success from the new starting point.

The central government's liaison office in Hong Kong said the election has further implemented the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", and it hailed the result as another successful example of exploring a democratic path with Hong Kong characteristics.

Incumbent Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said that together with Lee, she and her government will ensure a seamless transition and render all the support needed for the new administration to take office.

Major business groups, including the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, and the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, expressed confidence that Lee can unite all parties in strengthening Hong Kong's overall competitiveness and bringing long-term prosperity to the city.

Election Committee member Patrick Healy, who is also chairman of Cathay Pacific Airways, said after voting on Sunday that Lee is very competent for the city's top job.

He expects Lee will deliver a bright future for Hong Kong, ensure a smooth recovery from the pandemic, and deepen the city's integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He also hopes Hong Kong will maintain stability and security in the next 25 years.

Another committee member, Ng Hok-ming, who chairs the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Youth Association, said Lee's manifesto is very practical and has painted a rosy picture for the city's young people and charted a clear development path for them.

With these initiatives, he said that under Lee's leadership, more young people will have opportunities for upward mobility and brighter development prospects.

The election also pulled at the heartstrings of many ordinary city residents, such as retired construction technician Chan Woo-fat, 71.Chan arrived at the polling station at 8 am on Sunday, an hour before the election began, to witness the moment. He brought a miniature national flag with him and was delighted to see Lee win. He expects the city's residents to enjoy a happy life under Lee's leadership.

Lee, 64, has been in public service for about 45 years and has held various posts in the government. He was appointed secretary for security in 2017 and promoted to chief secretary in June 2021.

In recent years, Lee has dealt with many major events, including handling the 2019 social unrest, the fight against COVID-19 and the improvement to the HKSAR's electoral system. In handling such matters, he has taken a firm stand and been dedicated to his duty.