Chief Executive Donald Tsang yesterday announced an action plan in his maiden policy address, to translate his election promises into substantial steps to strengthen governance for the people.

He will reform the power nucleus of the administration to draw in more expertise from outside the government to make government policies closer to the social pulse, and be more assertive regarding the public's mainstream opinions.

Tsang said pursuing excellence in governance was the most pressing public demand, trusting the reforms, together with other initiatives, would pave way for cultivating a harmonious society founded on strong government and economic development.

Appearing at the Legislative Council (LegCo) at 11 am, Tsang in the ensuing 90 minutes impressed upon lawmakers that while the administration and the LegCo had their respective roles to play under the Basic Law, they had the common agenda of bringing about effective governance to Hong Kong.

"The Basic Law stipulates 10 powers and functions of LegCo... and four areas where the SAR government is accountable to the legislature," Tsang said.

"As long as the executive authorities and LegCo exercise their powers and perform their functions as laid down explicitly in the Basic Law, they will complement each other and operate with due checks and balances," he said.

He said a strong government did not work behind closed doors but rather hinged on the political skills and the cohesion and co-operation of the governing team.

To this effect, he will authorize the Chief Secretary for Administration and the Financial Secretary to play the role of policy co-ordination, so that he can focus on political issues and institutional and operational efficiency.

Tsang said maintaining a good relationship with the central authorities was a cornerstone for implementing the principle of "one country, two systems" successfully in the SAR.

He pledged to "actively" promote contacts and exchanges between Hong Kong and the central authorities, and urged others lawmakers, district councillors and the public to do the same.

Editor: Yan