Tsang's priority smooth transition, Leung says
The next chief executive says the incumbent, Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, needs to focus on ensuring a smooth transition of power rather than whether he should heed calls to step down over recent scandals.
Leung Chun-ying's comment yesterday will put pressure on Tsang to keep his word about ensuring 'a seamless transition'. There is concern several lingering issues may be left for the new administration to handle.
'I expect that during the remaining weeks for the chief executive, his workload will continue to be rather heavy. We also have to discuss the arrangements for the July 1 handover ceremony,' Leung said.
Since his election in March, there has been growing public concern that co-operation between the incoming and outgoing administrations may not be smooth - despite repeated assurances from Tsang he would provide 'full support' to Leung to overcome any hurdles.
Leung's plans for a restructuring at the top of government and his calls for there to be a 'zero quota' for mainland mothers giving birth in Hong Kong next year and for housing policies to help the middle class have been seen as overturning policies of the current administration. Detailed preparations also need to be made for the visit of central government officials to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the sovereignty handover.
Asked whether Tsang should resign over criticism of his extravagant trips and acceptance of favours from tycoons, Leung said: 'In the remaining weeks of his term, Mr Donald Tsang Yam-kuen has a very important job to do, which is to ensure a smooth transition.'
Chinese University political scientist Ma Ngok said he was always doubtful about how much effort Tsang was making to achieve that.
He also said Leung might not want Tsang to resign lest pan-democrats seize on it as precedent for future leaders.
Leung spoke during a visit to Hung Hom yesterday, in which he refused to say whether he would pay respects to victims of the June 4, 1989, crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square, the anniversary of which is tomorrow. Asked twice about it, he said: 'I have talked about this issue many times before, and have nothing to add.'
The visit yesterday included a 30-minute boat trip to Hung Hom, then a few minutes' walk along the West Kowloon waterfront there to check on the water quality.
'The water quality in Hong Kong should be improved to make it more approachable and enjoyable. It will require the co-operation of different departments to achieve this goal,' Leung said.
He also attended a public forum at which half a dozen representatives of the middle class raised concerns about the education system, property prices, land supply and the issue of Hong Kong's ageing population. Leung reassured them he would act according to his election platform once he takes office.
