Outgoing Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang has enjoyed high popularity among SAR's citizens.

Deputy Director of the central government's Liaison Office in Hong Kong Li Gang said this at a Hong Kong Commerce and Industry Association program yesterday, a day after Tsang resigned to contest the July 10 chief executive (CE) by-election.

The central government official praised Tsang for his absolutely outstanding performance as acting CE during the past two months.

"When Mr. Tsang served as acting CE, he made remarkable contributions to the successful implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' and 'Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong' as well as to the stability, prosperity and harmony of Hong Kong. His work has apparently been appreciated by all members of the community. Mr. Tsang has enjoyed a high popularity among the public and his decision to contest the CE by-election tallies with the public opinion," Li said.

The central government has already received Tsang's resignation letter and it will make an official reply soon, Li said. He strongly believes the 800 Election Committee members have the necessary political integrity and would be responsible enough to cast their votes in the bypoll.

"I believe the CE by-election will proceed according to the statutory requirements enshrined in the Basic Law and it will be conducted in a fair, open and just manner," he said. Li emphasized the central government encouraged the SAR administration to govern Hong Kong in accordance with the law.

Also yesterday, high-ranking principal officials, executive councillors and political leaders backed Tsang in the race for the top post and hailed him as the most capable person for the job.

Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung said she would help garner votes for Tsang. But she would do so in strict adherence to the election laws that require campaigning by principal officials to be free of any conflict of interest.

Leung said: "I feel Tsang is the best man for the job. When the CE's office fell vacant, he was competent enough to secure the support of the ruling team to lead the SAR government. His extensive administrative experience and capability will help him win the post. There is a common understanding (among principal officials) that the present ruling team would continue to serve the SAR after a new CE has been chosen."

She said she was willing to continue in her post if requested.

Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works Sarah Liao too hailed Tsang for his performance as acting CE and Chief Secretary. Hong Kong citizens have received him well, and he is the most suitable candidate to fill the CE's post, she said.

She quoted Tsang as having said that he hoped all ministers could stay in their posts, for that would consolidate the city's stability.

Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food York Chow corroborated the two other secretaries, saying he was impressed with Tsang's governing style and that he would be glad to garner votes for Tsang if requested.

Executive Councillor Laura Cha supported Tsang in his bid for the top job, saying she would gladly continue to serve Hong Kong in her post if asked to.

Legislator and Executive Councillor Bernard Chan believes most of the executive councillors will be happy to keep serving Hong Kong. He, however, said he was not opposed to inviting "pro-democracy" lawmakers to the Executive Council in future.

Real Estate Developers' Association president and casino tycoon Stanley Ho said Tsang would be elected uncontested because the other candidates would fail to get 100 nominations.

Tsang has to wait for the State Council's formal acceptance of his resignation to officially register as a candidate.

(China Daily May 27, 2005)