Carrie Lam pointed out that this year marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the Motherland, a milestone for us to build on our achievements and begin a new chapter of development.　　In his keynote address delivered at the Meeting Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to the Motherland and the Inaugural Ceremony of the Fifth-term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, President Xi Jinping said in all earnestness that the destiny of Hong Kong has always been intricately bound with the Motherland.　　In the last two decades, thanks to the support of the Motherland and with an international vision, Hong Kong has kept its distinct features and strengths.　　This fully demonstrates that "one country, two systems" is the best institutional arrangement to ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability after our return to the Motherland.　　It is a workable solution and an achievable goal welcomed by the people.　　Thus, everybody with a passion for Hong Kong has the responsibility to ensure that, here in Hong Kong, "one country, two systems" advances in the right direction, the obligation to say "no" to any attempt to threaten our country's sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as the duty to nurture our next generation into citizens with a sense of national identity, an affection for Hong Kong and a sense of social responsibility.

　　 Likewise, Carrie Lam also reiterates in her brief speech that "through immense contributions made by generations of Hong Kong people and countless challenges overcome, we have established our core values including an independent judicial system, adherence to the rule of law, a highly efficient and clean Government, freedom of the press, respect for human rights, pluralism and inclusiveness as well as the freedom of expression.　　Since our return to the Motherland, these institutional strengths, rights and freedoms have been protected by the Basic Law under the principle of 'one country, two systems'.　　These constitutional bulwarks and cornerstones of a civilised society and our moral values are unbreachable.　　The HKSAR Government and myself will, with our utmost endeavours, implement the 'one country, two systems' principle, uphold the Basic Law and safeguard the rule of law."

　　 As a matter of fact, Carrie Lam as the new-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR is, first of all, highly trusted politically by the Central Government.　　Such a trust provides the "capital" and foundation for Carrie Lam to fulfill her duty as the Chief Executive including to honour all the commitments she made in her first Policy Address to economic development and improvement of people's livelihood.　　Without a Chief Executive who is sufficiently dedicated and stands firm politically and on matters of principle such as the "one country two systems" principle and national sovereignty, social problems are not easy to be solved and there can hardly be any genuine progress and unity.

　　 Under the leadership of Carrie Lam who has the ideal, determination and capability, the SAR Government's administration and the development of the whole SAR in future surely can achieve - as presented in the Conclusion of her Policy Address - the beautiful vision "for a Hong Kong of hope and happiness – a city we are all proud to call our home.　　I see a vibrant international metropolis that is just, civilised, safe, affluent, enjoys the rule of law, compassionate and well-governed.　　To achieve this vision, we need to have a society that is united, harmonious and caring. This vision is not, in reality, that far off. In fact, it has been Hong Kong's way to success for more than half a century.　　We have not lost our intrinsic advantages.　　Hong Kong people are still brilliant and the Hong Kong spirit has not been eroded...　　As long as we can achieve consensus, and capitalise on our strengths, the best of Hong Kong is yet to come!" (End)

12 October 2017