Mainland seal of approval for Tsang
Senior mainland officials offered their strong backing yesterday to Acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, saying he was a capable leader who could promote economic co-operation between Hong Kong and the mainland.
Tycoon Stanley Ho Hung-sun even said Mr Tsang could serve in the post for 12 years and that he gave him 100 marks out of 100. He did not expect anyone to compete with him in the election for chief executive on July 10.
Senior officials in Hong Kong stressed they would stay in their posts during the transition period.
Gao Siren , director of the central government's liaison office, said he thought Hong Kong people would give their full support to Mr Tsang, who would therefore be able to do a good job handling the city's affairs.
He said unity and stability were now the essential foundations for Hong Kong's development.
'[The fact that] the entire [cabinet of] ministers and Executive Council will stay on in their terms is an indication of the unity and stability that can bring better development to Hong Kong.'
He said this would help the economy to develop, improve livelihoods and stabilise society.
'I think this is what Hong Kong people hope [to see].'
Chen Zuoer , deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, reiterated that Beijing would continue to support the chief executive and the Hong Kong government to govern in accordance with the law.
Mr Ho said of Mr Tsang: 'I have previously given him 90 marks. Now I give 100 marks.
'The rules allow him to serve up to 12 years. Whether it will go that far is up to him. If over the next few months, he is doing a good job, then he will win in the election for two years. When he continues to be good, he will then do another five years.'
Zhou Xiaochuan , governor of the People's Bank of China, said he had met Mr Tsang when he was the financial secretary during the Asian financial crisis.
'He is very good,' he said, describing him as a capable man.
Xiang Huaicheng , chairman of the National Council for Social Security Fund, said: 'Mr Tsang is a very good and talented guy.'
Minister of Communications Zhang Chunxian said: 'Mr Tsang is a man with good co-ordination skills and dedication. He also has rich experience.'
Tang Bingquan , Guangdong's vice-governor, said co-operation between Hong Kong and Guangdong would scale new heights under Mr Tsang's leadership. He said Mr Tsang had been promoting the development plan of the Pan Pearl River Delta around the world.
Home Affairs Secretary Patrick Ho Chi-ping admitted the change in leadership would have an impact. 'There will be a new style and work approach but we will do our best to co-operate.'
