Letters | Hong Kong government cannot please everyone, whether on vouchers or taxes

The government must have its objectives and basic principles clearly in mind when launching any initiative and communicate them effectively to the public

Reading Time:2 minutes

Lunch hour in Central on June 29, 2020. The coming tax review must not be another exercise in consultation after consultation in search of an impossible consensus. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 7:25am, 17 May 2021Updated: 7:25am, 17 May 2021

In his February budget speech, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said that digital consumption vouchers worth HK$5,000 (US$644) per Hong Kong resident would be issued in instalments to stimulate the economy. Nearly three months later, this scheme has yet to be launched.

Some question why it has taken the government so long to decide on the details of the handout. Some also question why the government does not simply give it out in cash.

While it is important to listen to the views of the public, the government cannot please everyone. Even its previous cash payout schemes have drawn criticism over who should benefit. The most important thing is that the government has its objectives and basic principles clearly in mind when launching any initiative and is able to convey them to the public.

After the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic in 2003, a government television announcement showed how buying a “pineapple bun” could lead to other transactions that in turn provided employment opportunities and stimulated the economy. The government needs similar promotional material to explain to the public why digital consumption vouchers, not cash, are to be handed out this time.

03:43

What Hong Kong’s 2021-22 budget means for residents of the city

The objectives of some previous government schemes, such as the HK$10,000 cash handouts, were often unclear. Also, the government tends to back off when faced with public objections and obstacles instead of responding with strong and easily understood messages.