Paul Chan Mo-po's appointment as development chief (instead of the proposed new post of deputy financial secretary) signals that Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has pulled the reins on his restructuring plan.
Speculation was rife that Chan's tenure would be temporary, given the uncertainty clouding Leung's plan to create new posts and increase the number of bureaus from 12 to 14.
But facing the public for the first time as secretary for development yesterday, Chan refused to comment on such claims, and batted down media speculation on whether he would switch to deputy financial secretary shortly after his appointment.
'I won't take it as a temporary job. I will do my best wholeheartedly,' said Chan. 'I don't think I'm the second choice to the chief executive.'
Chan, an accountant and former lawmaker, added that the government had not decided when and how to launch the restructuring plan, which would require the Legislative Council's approval.
But a source close to the government said Chan's tenure was a long-term one, as Leung had already shelved the plan to create deputy posts for the chief secretary and financial secretary, probably due to political pressure.