Hong Kong's top rural leader on Wednesday called on city officials to be innovative, but stay vigilant in the Year of the Horse ahead after drawing the No 22 "neutral" fortune stick at Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin.

The annual ritual, held on the second day of the Lunar New Year, saw Heung Yee Kuk chairman Kenneth Lau draw a "neutral" fortune stick for the ninth consecutive year.

Also known as "chim" in Cantonese, each of the 96 sticks augur good, bad or neutral omens that are wrapped around a Chinese poem.

This year's stick reads, "do not get close to a wooden man, as one should judge a person based on their good and evil deeds. Never forget righteousness when seeing profits, and one must consider non-benevolence in the midst of benevolence.”

Speaking after the ceremony, Lau said the reading meant that the city had to always be innovative and never be stuck to old ways.

"I believe that this year in Hong Kong, we'll enter the golden decade of developing the Northern Metropolis mega project, which would have a significant and lasting positive impact on the city," he said.

"So we cannot stick to the old ways and we must be innovative. Meanwhile, we must be careful and meticulous in our work, to think with our hearts on how we can do things better?

"We must also always stay vigilant even amidst peacetime, as the international situation is quite complex."

Lau added that as the city is undergoing an economic transformation, showing strength in its financial sector and pushing ahead with mega events, Hong Kong can tap emerging areas in technology and artificial intelligence for further growth.

He also expressed hope for more supportive measures for the middle class and grassroot residents in the upcoming Budget next Wednesday.

For his part, Sha Tin Rural Committee chairman Mok Kam-kwai drew the No 83 fortune stick, one of the worst possible, for his district.

"I think it's just like how a person must gradually recover his or her strength after getting sick. It reminds us all to be cautious and take things slowly when things happen," he said.

Local residents also flocked to pray for good luck from Che Kung after the temple opened at 9am, with many seen holding large red windmills and incense.

A resident, Choi, said she visited the temple every year and that she prayed for good health for every Hongkonger.

"Good health is the most important," she told RTHK.

"I hope to pray for all Hongkongers to be healthy, and that's it.

"If everyone is healthy, then everyone can make money. I'm getting old, I just wish the young people can make money," she said.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang also made an inspection visit and to show support for disciplined services officers on duty.

He extended his Lunar New Year greetings to worshippers and vendors.


Edited by Tony Sabine