Scandal-plagued chief executive-elect Leung Chun-ying yesterday unveiled the team that will lead Hong Kong's fourth post-handover administration, which he said would work to change the slow pace of development in recent years.
Introducing an incomplete team within the existing government structure as his reorganisation plan is still stranded in the Legislative Council, Leung said his ministers were outstanding and shared his vision.
'My governing team shares the same vision with me - seeking changes while preserving stability,' said Leung, who is still entangled in a row over illegal structures at his property on The Peak. 'It is our common wish ... to change the prolonged sluggishness of our economic and social development.'
Seven incumbent ministers will stay on in the new cabinet. As widely tipped, Secretary for Development Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor - the only woman in the cabinet team - will take over as the chief secretary. The others who are staying on will continue in their current roles, including Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah.
New faces include Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen Kwok-keung, a former chairman of the Bar Association succeeding Wong Yan-lung. Three of the new recruits are professionals and one is an Executive Councillor. Another two ministers were incumbent or retired civil servants. Lai Tung-kwok was promoted from undersecretary rank to become security minister.
With two deputies for the chief secretary and finance chief, and two bureau heads missing yesterday, Leung said: 'I will strive for the Legco passage of my government reshuffling plan as soon as possible.'
Facing questions about his integrity in handling the controversy over his illegal structures, Leung said he would settle the case and stand accountable to the public. He also pledged that the team would visit all 18 districts by mid-July.