Following his shock resignation, which effectively forced Mr Tung to delay the national security legislation, the former cabinet member yesterday said his party would remain loyal to the government on most issues.

'I don't think [my resignation] amounts to a vote of no confidence in Mr Tung's governance,' Mr Tien said.

'You may continue to label us as a pro-government party. We are not going to change into an opposition party.

'While the government has to step up its efforts to secure enough votes in Legco, I don't think my departure will make it difficult for officials to canvass votes.'

With eight votes in the functional constituencies, the business-affiliated Liberals are seen as holding the key to bills and motions in the legislature.

Mr Tung appointed Mr Tien and Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong chairman Tsang Yok-sing into Exco last year to help secure support in Legco.

Asked if Mr Tung should go, Mr Tien said: 'I have worked in Exco before and I know what it is like. It's unfair to Mr Tung.

'But such public remarks are understandable.'

People would be more ready to accept Mr Tung when the economy improved again, he added.

But Mr Tien appeared to be less sympathetic when asked if security chief Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee should go. 'I saw from TV a lot of verbal fireworks between the secretary and lawmakers. It is not so good, but it is up to Mr Tung to decide.'

Party vice-chairman Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee said that if Mrs Ip continued to remain in charge of the bill 'it would help a lot if she could have more of a sense of humour and less of a temper'.

Mr Tien said it would be up to Mr Tung to decide if a cabinet reshuffle would be needed.

Despite suggestions that his departure has marked the end of the so-called 'ruling coalition' by ministers and political parties, Mr Tien was adamant that appointing party leaders as cabinet members was the way forward.