Government overestimated the public's understanding, says financial secretary
Financial Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen said yesterday the government had overestimated the public's understanding of the goods and services tax when it launched its consultation in mid-July.
Mr Tang also expressed disappointment with the reaction of some political parties and business groups who, he said, gave their views without studying the consultation in detail.
His remarks came as the government prepares to adjust its approach to consultation on the controversial tax. About 800 submissions have been received.
'We overestimated society's understanding of the topic. Hong Kong people are such frequent travellers that we thought they should know the topic reasonably well. Apparently, this is not the case,' Mr Tang said. He was referring to the public outcry after it was revealed the tax would cover not only goods but also services.
