How John Lee’s election rally compares with those of other Hong Kong chief executive candidates
- Former No 2 official delivered an 11-minute speech on Friday at final rally, sharing stories of his childhood
- Some observers say Lee’s presentation lacked human touch compared with Carrie Lam’s in 2017 and Leung Chun-ying’s in 2011
Despite the enthusiasm on display, some observers argued that Lee’s messaging was not as impactful as previous candidates running for the top job and his rally lacked a human touch.
Wearing a black suit and a blue tie, the former policeman delivered his speech in a sombre mood at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. He spent part of his time talking about how when he was young, his father saved up to buy a television for their family.
“At that time, even a radio was hard to get, so getting a TV was quite nice,” he said. “My family invited some neighbours to come and watch TV together, and they were so happy. I realised that the relationship between neighbours can be so simple, direct and genuine. We can feel the warmth when we do one thing together.”
Turning to his vision for the city, Lee said: “In the five years ahead of us, the Hong Kong that I will build with you will be a Hong Kong that is caring, inclusive, diverse and full of vibrancy and hope … If I am elected on May 8, I will do one thing with Hong Kong people, that is starting a new chapter for this city together.”
But neither Lee nor Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor could match former leader Leung Chun-ying in delivering emotion-laden anecdotes during the election rally.
