Leung names Tang backer for screening position

Incoming chief executive Leung Chun-ying has named at least one known backer of his main election opponent to a screening committee for top political appointments in his new government.

Leung yesterday named General Chamber of Commerce chairman Anthony Wu Ting-yuk - who nominated Henry Tang Ying-yen as a chief executive candidate - to the five-strong committee, which Leung will chair. The other members are the head of the chief executive-elect's office, Fanny Law Fan Chiu-fun, Kwun Tong District Council chairman Bunny Chan Chung-bun, and Lingnan University council deputy chairwoman Sophia Kao Ching-chi.

'The five members come from different sectors of the community and have track records of public service, so they will know the qualities required for undersecretaries and political assistants,' Leung said.

'The selection committee is responsible for preliminary screening. There are now a considerable number of applications.'

Law said after the appointment of principal officials and ministers in late June, they would pick undersecretaries and political assistants shortlisted by the selection committee. Applications will be accepted until the end of the month.

The 14 ministers will be assisted by undersecretaries. Additional political assistants may be hired to help principal officials and ministers.

Meanwhile, the odds may have shifted against the presumed frontrunner for the new post of culture secretary. Institute of Contemporary Culture chief executive Ada Wong Ying-kay declined to comment on reports that the job would go to Undersecretary for Home Affairs Florence Hui Hiu-fai. A report said Wong's appointment had been opposed by the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong.