Financial secretary meets pro-establishment camp, finally bends on budget

Financial Secretary John Tsang — who had stood firm that the budget had “no room and no need for changes” — finally did a U-turn after meeting 20 pro-establishment legislators. He promised to study concrete responses on three fronts: MPF injection, tax rebates and help for the “N-nothings”, to be announced soon.

What was discussed?

Three issues: MPF injection (especially civil servants), tax rebates, helping the “N-nothings”. Twenty legislators representing over 30 members met Tsang, financial services secretary KC Chan and Chief Executive’s Office director Raymond Tam for over an hour. Parties pressed Tsang to give directional answers within the week to meet public demands.

What did Tsang say?

“I will properly learn from this experience and improve.” After the meeting Tsang said he’d heard many voices since the budget speech, mainly on the three fronts, and understood society’s high expectations. He pledged to consider members’ views seriously and meet again if needed.

What pressure was he under?

“Patching up afterwards is dumb.” One pro-establishment member expected directional plans within the week: “Wait till the opposition finishes its march before announcing? That’s picking up someone else’s discarded banana and calling it a solution.”

The budget eventually switched to a $6,000 cash handout. For related background, visit the MPF education centre.