Justice chief to pay visit to Beijing at weekend
Elsie Leung denies reports that she has already tendered her resignation
Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung Oi-sie will visit Beijing this weekend amid intensifying speculation she will retire soon, on a trip that coincides with a visit to the capital by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen.
Responding to reports that she has already tendered her resignation, Miss Leung said yesterday she 'has not done that yet'.
'If I am resigning, I will be telling the public,' she said.
Asked about her intentions, Miss Leung said: 'What I think is meaningless because when public officials are going to resign, they have to tell the public.'
She stressed the decision was not hers alone to make.
'Both sides have the rights to serve notice in the contract between principal officials and the government. It is not something an individual can decide.'
Miss Leung has long been considering retirement for health reasons and because of a wish to pursue personal interests. She agreed to serve in the new administration mainly for the purpose of political continuity.
However, with Mr Tsang consolidating his role as chief executive, speculation has grown that Miss Leung will not serve until 2007 when her term is due to end. Close friends said the responsibilities of office and taking part in the constitutional taskforce were tiring her and she wanted to retire.
Miss Leung's spokesman confirmed the justice chief would attend an international legal conference from Sunday. She returned from a short, unannounced 'private' visit to Beijing on August 18, and declined to say whether she had met any state leaders.
Legislators from the Article 45 Concern Group are also due to attend the conference, where they might meet state officials. Member Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee, the legal sector's representative to Legco, said the conference appeared to be the main purpose for Miss Leung's visit.
'If she is really going to talk about resignation, she won't have to go up to use this chance as she could have gone at any time,' Ms Ng said.
But Johnny Lau Yui-shui, a veteran analyst of mainland politics, said that rather than discussing her possible resignation with state officials Miss Leung would probably join Mr Tsang and finalise the constitutional reform plan with state leaders.
'It is most likely that the pair will discuss with state leaders finalising the constitutional reform report to be issued next month. Usually, a gathering of so many top officials will only be a meeting of great importance. Retirement matters might only be discussed on separate occasions,' Mr Lau said.
Mr Tsang will arrive in Beijing on Friday for three days to attend celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the victory over Japan in the second world war. He is expected to meet state officials.
