Sniping at Carrie Lam has become a popular pastime for politicians and critics in Hong Kong. Criticizing her allows them to appear bold and independent without facing the consequences of challenging the current regime. Recently, there has been uproar over the cost of Lam’s office, which is funded by the public and is priced at HK$9 million annually, with a total of HK$22 million over two years.
The discussion around Lam’s office has raised questions about why she is not using the building at 28 Kennedy Road, which has been designated for former chief executives since 2005. This historic building, a Grade 1 landmark, was renovated to serve as an office for retired chiefs. However, due to its size limitations and listed status, it cannot be extensively modified.
The initial plan to provide three offices at 28 Kennedy Road for former chief executives was based on the assumption that they would serve two terms and retire around the age of 70. However, the reality has been different, with many chief executives serving only one term. This has led to a shortage of office space for former leaders, prompting the need to lease expensive offices in places like Pacific Place.
Comparing the situation in Hong Kong to other countries, the UK allows ex-prime ministers to claim up to £120,000 for office costs. In the US, former presidents receive support for office expenses, with an estimated cost of about US$1.1 million per president per year. These figures indicate that the originally projected cost of HK$2.2 million per year for Lam’s office was generous, while the actual expenditure of US$11 million per year was deemed extravagant.
While the debate over the cost of former chief executives’ offices continues, questions have been raised about the necessity of providing personal secretaries and clerical assistants for each ex-leader. In today’s digital age, the need for such support staff is being scrutinized, especially when considering the high number of functions and events ex-chief executives are expected to attend.
Overall, the discussion around the expenses of former chief executives’ offices in Hong Kong highlights the need for transparency and efficiency in allocating public funds. As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the practicality and necessity of providing extensive support to retired leaders, especially in a changing political landscape where terms in office may be shorter than previously anticipated.