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Gary Cheung

Former solicitor-general not interested despite Beijing's apparent endorsement

Former solicitor-general Daniel Fung Wah-kin SC has ruled himself out as the successor to Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung Oi-sie, although he does plan to visit Beijing again tomorrow.

Mr Fung told the South China Morning Post yesterday he had no intention to take up the position.

'Many people wish to maintain stability in Hong Kong and I hope Miss Leung stands fast at her post,' he said.

He insisted he would not change his mind if he was offered the job.

Speculation has intensified recently that Miss Leung will retire soon. She will visit Beijing at the weekend.

Pro-Beijing figures said Mr Fung was not the favoured candidate of Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, with whom he does not share close ties.

It is understood that Beijing is now looking for another candidate for the senior position.

However, sources close to Beijing said the central government had considered Mr Fung the best candidate to succeed Miss Leung.

One source said: 'Since Tung Chee-hwa resigned as chief executive in March, officials from various mainland departments have been canvassing the views of Hong Kong's legal sector on Mr Fung's possible appointment as secretary for justice. There was a lot of positive response received.'

Another source said Mr Fung, who recently paid a private trip to Beijing,  had been recommended for the post a few months ago by senior mainland officials.

A pro-Beijing politician said mainland officials responsible for Hong Kong affairs had told him Mr Fung was top of a list of candidates.

Mr Fung is part of a delegation from the Better Hong Kong Foundation travelling tomorrow from Beijing to Changchun , capital of Jilin province , where they will attend an investment seminar on Friday..

The delegation will join Vice-Premier Wu Yi  and Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai  at the seminar.

Mr Fung will return to Beijing on Saturday for the Congress on the Law of the World, which starts on Sunday. He is one of 54 legal professionals from Hong Kong, including Miss Leung, who have been invited to attend the congress.

Miss Leung has long been considering retirement for health reasons, and speculation has been rife that she will not serve the remainder of her term as secretary for justice, which is due to end in 2007.

Some pro-Beijing politicians have said they expect her to quit by the end of the year.

Responding to reports that she had already tendered her resignation, Miss Leung said on Monday she 'has not done that yet' and will tell the public if she plans to resign.



'Top choice' for justice chief rules himself out