Acting Chief Executive (CE) and Chief Secretary for
Administration Donald Tsang resigned from his post on Wednesday,
clearing the way for his bid for top position in the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region's chief executive by-elections in
July.
Announcing his move at government headquarters last night, Tsang
declared that he would address not only the 800 Election Committee
(EC) members, but also the general public once his resignation was
approved.
He pledged to engage the community to win their support in the
by-elections, scheduled for July 10.
His resignation was announced immediately after the Legislative
Council (LegCo) passed, by 33 to 21, a bill to amend the Chief
Executive Election Ordinance to limit the tenure of the CE to two
years.
Explaining his campaign move, Tsang said it was motivated by a
commitment to working for the successful implementation of the "one
country, two systems" policy in the SAR.
"I want to contribute to the successful implementation of 'one
country, two systems.' I want to contribute to the ongoing success
of Hong Kong," he stated.
"I want Hong Kong people to take pride in being part of the
country as well as our own unique community."
He said that while the State Council considered his resignation,
he would get down to the details with his campaign team to prepare
for the election.
He pledged: "After the State Council approval, I will share my
philosophy on governance with the community as soon as possible. I
will announce my election manifesto. I will explain my belief and
values to the 800 members of the EC and to the 7 million people of
Hong Kong. I will work hard to engage the community and garner
their support."
Tsang said his decision was supported by his family and friends,
adding he had no fear in the challenge because it was a "selfless"
decision.
Tsang tendered his resignation to the State Council in the
evening. The SAR's leadership during this transition phase has been
passed on to Financial Secretary Henry Tang.
Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands Michael Suen,
meanwhile, assumes the role of chief secretary for
administration.
Declaring personal support for Tsang, Tang assured he would
stick to election guidelines that required any canvassing
activities by principal officials to be free of any conflicts of
interest issues, not to involve public resources in the
campaigning, and to not harm the neutrality of the civil
service.
"I strongly believe the decision reflects his commitment to the
successful implementation of 'one country, two systems' as well as
the stability and prosperity prevailing in Hong Kong," Tang
said.
Tang said he had worked with Tsang in different capacities for
many years and found him to be a highly capable official with
extensive administrative experience. "His performance has been well
received and supported by the people of Hong Kong."
(China Daily May 26, 2005)