HONG KONG, Feb. 18 -- Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying delivered on Wednesday a Lunar New Year message, wishing every one a happy and harmonious new year.

"At the beginning of the Year of the Sheep, we wish every one of you good health, great happiness and a harmonious family life," Leung said in his message published on the Hong Kong government website.

The chief executive said it is time to bid farewell to the Year of the Horse and welcome the Year of the Sheep, adding that sheep are widely seen to be mild and gentle animals living peacefully in groups.

Leung said the society was rife with differences and conflicts, hoping in the coming year all people in Hong Kong will take inspiration from the sheep's character and pull together in an accommodating manner to work for Hong Kong's future.