Carrie Lam marks three years since she took over as Hong Kong’s chief executive, voted into power by a small circle drawn from the city’s business, political and civic sectors. Apple Daily asked seven such leading figures — including four members of the 2017 Election Committee — — for their report card on her performance.

Dr Paul Shea, Hong Kong Medical Association council member:

“She is arrogant. She looks down on others, including doctors. US-China relations were very tense but all she did was add oil to the flames. Her extradition law bid split the community. She refused to visit young people who were beaten up (during protests).”

Allan Zeman, Lan Kwai Fong Group chairman:

Her biggest mistake was trying to introduce the extradition bill. She was stubborn and continued to try to get it passed for many months, when she should have seen there was too much opposition. Instead of feeling the pulse of the community on the street, I think she took decisions from her office.

Cheung Chi-wai of the Hong Kong Social Workers’ General Union:

“She shows no commitment to social welfare planning. The needy have been largely ignored. People have very long waits for elderly homes, special needs services or children’s training. She doesn’t care about humanity. If she gets re-elected, I will be very worried.”

Edwin Cheng, former Independent Police Complaints Council member:

“She has surrounded herself with her senior officials and pro-Beijing politicians. When it comes to understanding public opinion, they are pretty out of touch. The result is what we see today.”

Leung Chau-ting, Hong Kong Federation of Civil Service Unions chairman:

“People’s livelihoods issues must be a top priority for a leader, and she has scored badly in this area. The recent [freeze on civil servants’ salary increments] hurt us the most because the great efforts made by our colleagues during the protests and pandemic have not been recognized. Civil servants tend to get criticized more easily under this chief executive. I can say our morale is at a low point now.”

Teddy Tang, chairman of the Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools:

“Lam is willing to spend on education. If we are just looking at money, then I will give her a pass. But politics got in the way of her communication with the education sector. I hope she can develop a broader mind to listen to different views. Trust is the key. It is of utmost importance to restore young people’s and parents’ confidence in the education system.”

Kenneth Leung, legislator representing the accounting sector:

“Since the beginning she has been a tough executor. The only difference is that she used to claim to serve Hongkongers, and now she serves the central government. She seems to have been taking orders from Beijing only and has ignored the feelings and views of most Hongkongers.”

Click here for Chinese version.

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