After all, MacLehose's term of office is not long. If the "Home Ownership for All" plan really takes three to five years to show initial results, it may not be that helpful to his political achievements and reputation.
"ladies and gentlemen!"
The host's booming voice spread throughout the room through the loudspeaker, and the noise subsided slightly.
Governor MacLehose was the first to deliver a long speech.
He spoke Cantonese with a slight foreign accent, full of the colonial ruler's sense of superiority and complacency about his "achievements":
“…Today is a day that deserves to be recorded in the history of Hong Kong Island’s development!
The successful implementation of the 'Home Ownership Scheme' fully demonstrates the Hong Kong government's firm commitment and unremitting efforts to improve people's livelihood and well-being!
We are well aware that a stable home is essential for a happy career. The launch of this program aims to effectively address the urgent needs of the general public, especially those at the grassroots level who work hard but still face housing difficulties!
It embodies the wisdom and dedication of the Hong Kong government, Hong Kong Land Group, and all sectors of society! We overcame numerous difficulties, ensured the progress and quality of the project, and ultimately achieved today's successful delivery!
This fully proves that under the guidance of the principles of fairness, justice and openness, the government and enterprises working together are fully capable of creating a better life for citizens!
The Hong Kong government will continue to take this opportunity to increase investment and promote the implementation of more projects that benefit the people, so that the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong Island can benefit every citizen!
As soon as he finished his speech, he immediately won a round of polite applause, mainly from officials and British representatives.
Ordinary citizens are obviously not concerned about this. They are not here to listen to his nice words, but to see what the specifications and conditions of the public housing are.
Especially for those lower-class citizens who are already waiting for the lottery, it can be said that based on their earning ability alone, they will never be able to afford a house in Hong Kong Island in their lifetime if they do not win the lottery.
Because the speed at which they save money cannot keep up with the rising housing prices in Hong Kong Island.
People who could have bought a house in full a few years ago but didn't may now only have enough money to pay a down payment.
The people of Hong Kong Island experienced the crazy growth and price bubble of real estate decades earlier than the people on the mainland.
It is precisely because housing prices have continued to rise in recent years that the "Home Ownership for All" plan proposed by Lin Huowang has such influence and attention.
After the speech of Hong Kong Governor Murray MacLehose, it was the turn of the real leader of the project, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hong Kong Land Development, Mr. Tianwang Kobayashi, to speak.
When Lin Huowang walked to the microphone, without the host's reminder, the audience spontaneously broke out into warmer and more sincere applause and cheers, even mixed with the screams of some young women who were obsessed with Lin Huowang.
His influence, especially his appeal among Chinese capitalists and grassroots people, has now become deeply rooted in the hearts of the people after every hard work he has done during this period of time.
Hong Kong Island has always been a paradise for dream-making. Many tycoons of all kinds have made their mark by working hard one step at a time like this.
But there has never been anyone who has risen so quickly and so sensationally like Kobayashi Tenmo.
The nickname Kobayashi Tornado is absolutely correct.
Lin Huowang smiled and pressed his hands down, signaling everyone to be quiet.
Then he swept his eyes across the faces in the audience and said:
"Dear neighbours and friends, hello everyone. First of all, on behalf of Hong Kong Land Group, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to the first 500 families who have been granted Home Ownership Scheme status!
Sir Murray MacLehose has just explained the significance of this project, so I won't elaborate. As the contractor, I want to say that we are fully aware of the importance of home to every individual.
It is not just a shelter from wind and rain, but also a harbor that carries hope, gathers family affection, and relieves fatigue.
The Hong Kong Land Group has put in all its efforts this time, and its primary goal is not profit, but to ensure quality, speed and fairness!
Our commitment to affordable prices is no excuse for compromising quality! Every brick and tile undergoes rigorous inspection, and every application is publicly selected under public supervision to ensure transparency.
What I am handing to you today is not only the key to your new home, but also a heavy responsibility and commitment from Hong Kong Land Group to the Hong Kong community!
This is just the beginning. In the future, we will work closely with the Hong Kong government to promote similar projects in more areas, so that more ordinary families who have worked hard for the prosperity of Hong Kong Island can have a stable, decent and affordable home!
His speech was free of lengthy official rhetoric, and every word was pragmatic and spoke directly to the heart of the matter. It was full of understanding of "home" and respect for ordinary citizens.
As soon as he finished speaking, applause swept through the audience like a tsunami and lasted for a long time.
Many citizens waiting in line to get their keys had tears of excitement and anticipation in their eyes.
Millions of Hong Kong Island residents waited with bated breath in front of their televisions, wanting to see what this "affordable housing" would really look like.
Amidst the chasing of countless flashes and live broadcasts of camera lenses, the most symbolic moment arrived.
Murray MacLehose and Lin Huowang walked down the stage together and came to the first lucky family, Uncle Chen, a middle-aged worker at the dock.
With smiles on their faces, the two men solemnly handed a brand new golden door key, symbolizing the beginning of a new life, to Uncle Chen's hands, which were trembling slightly with excitement.
This moment was captured by countless cameras.
"Uncle Chen, congratulations! Can you please take us to see your new home? Let all the people of Hong Kong see it too!"
Lin Huowang suggested gently and motioned for the camera to follow.
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