Political Animal
Shakespeare offers a brief respite from politics for Anson Chan
It was a day of music, literature, feminism and politics for Anson Chan Fang On-sang yesterday. Fresh from a weekend spent crossing swords with her ex-aide, Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, on issues of universal suffrage, the former chief secretary found respite - and a chance to quote Shakespeare - at the opening ceremony of the Asian Youth Orchestra 2006 Tour Camp.
'The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils. The motions of his spirit are dull as night and his affections dark as Erebus: Let no such man be trusted. Mark the music.'
She noted she was happy Shakespeare's wise words from The Merchant of Venice applied only to men but not to women. Above all, she was glad she could give such contentious issues such as universal suffrage and democracy a miss - at least for now. But after the ceremony ended Mrs Chan was back in fighting mode, reacting to the utterances of Mr Tsang on the issue of universal suffrage.
Rafael Hui's French connection
What is the best position for Chief Secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan in the Tsang team? In the eyes of French Consul-General Jean-Pierre Thebault the No 2 man could well walk into the shoes of France's star soccer striker, Thierry Henry.
Mr Thebault was presenting a No 12 shirt emblazoned with Henry's name to Mr Hui as a token of thanks for his officiating at French National Day last Friday.
The senior diplomat had earlier sent a No10 shirt, trademark of legendary midfielder Zinedine Zidane before he retired after the World Cup final, to Chief Executive Donald Tsang.
This followed a congratulatory note from Mr Tsang, a fan of Brazilian football, to him after France beat the South Americans in the quarter-finals.
Not that Henry was only second best in the French team - Mr Thebault was diplomatic, saying both Henry and Zidane had been important.
While happily accepting the souvenir, Mr Hui said he preferred emulating the role of French player Patrick Vieira - doing all the running and tackling before passing the ball for his teammates to score.
Back in the saddle
The old boys and girls from the elitist Administrative Service are moving back into the public limelight. Once seen as a high-flier in the government, Kwong Ki-chi is tipped to succeed Lawrence Wong Chi-kong as chief executive of the Jockey Club in September.
Speculation grew after Mr Kwong, former secretary for information, technology and broadcasting, reportedly quit a knitwear firm and went on holiday. His former government colleagues said his trip was hardly coincidental, but apparently well timed to prepare for taking up the new job.
